All the latest UK technology news, reviews and analysis
|
|
|
05 Dec 2006
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.
Latest stories from Web
Related articles
Related jobs
Poll
What is the most important IT priority for your company this year?
Connect with V3.co.uk
This paper focuses on a series of best practices and techniques for development teams looking to improve their software development processes
Why good data management at all levels is essential in the modern business (video, 6mins)
Software Development Manager - London, 12 Month Contract...
PROCUREMENT AND COMMERCIAL MANAGER BERKSHIRE...
Hardware Engineer / Field Service Support Analyst £16...
Infrastructure / Implementation Support Engineer (Windows...
Keep up to date with the latest products, services and technologies from the world's leading IT companies. IThound.com brings you over 2,000 white papers, case studies and analyst reports.
Do you agree?
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
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