AUSTRALIAN SENIORS TESTING THE ONLINE SOCIAL WATERS

By Katie Raleigh

Move over Gen Y, there is a new generational cohort on the rise with new research released from Optus* uncovering a network of socially savvy ‘Silver Surfers’. With more than half (54%) of Australia’s over 60s actively using social networks, our savvy seniors are flexing their social connectedness and proving to be more up to date with technology than ever before.

With the majority (76%) using sites like Facebook to connect with friends and family, social media has become the go-to tool for grandparents who want to keep up to date with their grandkids. Spending an average of 128 minutes a day online, the most popular activities for ‘Silver Surfers’ include browsing through pictures of their grandchildren, seeing what their own kids are doing and e-shopping.

In fact, 85% agree that being online and staying connected makes their life easier, with 63% agreeing that being connected helps keep them socially active.

When it comes to tech knowledge, over half (52%) consider themselves to be proficient with technology, with the device of choice for the majority being the desktop PC (79%), closely followed by laptops (64%) and mobile phones (68%). But it’s not just the old PC that seniors are using to connect; the over 60s boast an average of 3.4 devices each and significant numbers are adopting modern mobile devices, such as smartphones (31%), tablets (22%) and e-readers (20%).

Despite the positive nature of the study’s findings however, 45% admit that their knowledge about getting the most out of their electronic devices is minimal. When it comes to the mobile phone, for example, two in three agreed that they would like some help to understand how to use all of the features and 97% claim the most important feature is that it is easy to use and understand.

Ray Lewis, CEO of Greypath, the leading seniors’ website in Australia said, “As technology becomes increasingly important to how we socialise, and even run our businesses, it’s time for Australia’s senior citizens to become part of this world too.

“We need to realise the value of technology – that it lets us easily connect with family and friends, shop from the comfort of our own living rooms, and learn how to do all sorts of new and wonderful things. There are currently thousands of seniors on the web – why not come and join our global village?”

Mr Lewis has also compiled his top tips for the Australian ‘Silver Surfer’:

1. Be brave: You’re never going to learn to use your devices if you don’t give things a go. So, get someone to show you the basics and start using technology!
2. Get social: Social media helps you keep in touch with the ones you love, even if they live thousands of kilometres away. Start up a Facebook or Twitter profile and get your friends and family online too!
3. Join the club: There are thousands of Aussie seniors currently learning how to use technology – why not become one of them? Start by joining a seniors’ computer club or a seniors’ online community, such as GreyPath.com.
4. Learn from others: It’s truly amazing how much information you can find on the internet. Whether you want to learn how to make duck a l’orange, or how to add a picture to an email, you can do so by simply going to Google and starting a search with the words ‘how to’.
5. Stay safe: Protect your technology against viruses by installing an antivirus programme on your computer. Another good point is to remember not to open email attachments, or to respond to emails you receive from people you don’t know.

Michael Smith, Managing Director of Marketing at Optus said, “As the ‘Silver Surfer’ generation continues to adopt new technologies, our research shows simplicity is still important. That is why at Optus we have created a range of mobile, home phone & broadband plans for our over 60 customer, which won’t cost a fortune and are easy to use.”

Optus offers affordable phone, broadband and mobile plans for the over 60s; for more information on home phone and broadband bundles, please visit: www.optus.com.au/shop/broadband/seniors. For more information on mobile phone plans, please visit: www.optus.com.au/mytime30.

Media Contacts:
Katie Raleigh
Bang PR
P: 02 9018 2222
E: Kelly@bangpr.com.au

*The Optus study was conducted amongst 1,027 Australians aged 60 years and over. Surveys were distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city areas. Fieldwork commenced on 26th September and was completed on 4th October 2012. This study was conducted online amongst members of a permission-based panel. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.