Older surfers are not that tech savvy, apparently. Try telling that to 'Peter'
Silver surfers not so tech-savvy
/v3-uk/news/1959276/silver-surfers-tech-savvy
05 Dec 2006, Will Head , V3
The silver surfer generation is not as at home with new technology as originally thought, according to new research.
Figures released by ICM, commissioned by the British Internet Broadcasting Company (BiBC), suggest that older surfers are yet to join the download generation.
While only 14 per cent of 18 to 24 year-old respondents have never downloaded anything and will not do so in the future, an astonishing 48 per cent of respondents aged between 55 and 64 have not and will not download content from the internet.
Some 71 per cent of 25 to 34 year-olds with internet access and who would download would be interested in digital TV integrated with broadband to deliver alternative programmes on demand, but the percentage of interested 55 to 64 year-olds falls to 46 per cent.
The older generation are similarly reticent when it comes to downloading movies and other visual media to other devices.
Fifty four per cent of 18 to 24 year-old respondents would download music to an MP3 player, but only 16 per cent of 55 to 64 year-olds are interested in downloading to such a device.
No one in the 55 to 64 age group has considered downloading movies and other visual content to a mobile phone or PDA.
"It is time for everyone to join the download revolution, and there is no need for downloading to be a preserve of the youth," said Paul Hague, managing director of BiBC.
"The internet is perfect for older people to use because it is convenient and there is a wide choice for those not interested in youth 'popular' culture.
"There is so much downloadable content and archived material that is ready-made for old people with niche interests."
Education and integration are the keys to involving older people, according to Hague.
"Buying an older relative a download for Christmas could be a way of educating them about downloading and integrating that person into the online habits of mainstream society," he said.
© Incisive Media Investments Limited 2010, Published by Incisive Financial Publishing Limited, Haymarket House, 28-29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RX, are companies registered in England and Wales with company registration numbers 04252091 & 04252093
Do you agree?
Failing to exploit the grey pound !!!?
"Buying an older relative a download for Christmas could be a way of educating them about downloading and integrating that person into the online habits of mainstream society,"
Er this is like the articles about women and games and seems to be suggesting that the older generations are not making their wallets available to the online music and video companies and trying to make it sound like a genuine problem rather than a matter of a missed potential revenue stream.
Posted by Ian Turner, 05 Dec 2006
or is it lack of suitable equipment?
THe reason I would not download 'video' content is the small screen size on the 'portable' players whien you get to my age you need something you can see.
Bring on the Virtual Screen (Head up) gizmo. THere were '42" screen glasses' available for video consoles something on these lines but the same weight as my normal glasses (with Wifi / wireless LAN conectivity) is what I'm waiting for.
Posted by Paul;l White, 06 Dec 2006