The Office for National Statistics study has led to calls to ensure the elderly are not digitally excluded
Almost a third of older people have never used a computer, according to a new survey.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Internet Access study also shows a wide gap between social media use by young people and those aged 65 or over.
The ONS study revealed that 90% of UK households have an internet connection, up from 61% a decade ago.
However three in ten of those questioned who were over the age of 65 said that they had never used a computer.
Only 27% of older people said they used social media, compared to 96% for 16 to 24-year-olds.
The findings of the study have led to calls from the third sector to ensure that older people are not digitally excluded.
Andrew Kaye, head of policy at Independent Age, said: “Older people in general are much less likely to shop online, do internet banking or use social media. As long as this is the case, it’s really important people still have a choice about how they access goods and services otherwise we risk disadvantaging a large group of older people by going digital by default.”
David McNeill, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations digital director, said it is working with charities to increase their digital skills and those of the people charity's support.
“The rapid growth in internet access and use demonstrates how integral it has become to our daily lives. However, the high level of use hides significant inequalities,” he said.
“We know that one-in-five adults lack basic digital skills which can help them to save money, communicate or apply for jobs. People that are older, on low incomes or have a disability are most likely to be digitally excluded, yet perhaps have the most to gain from being confident online. These people need the support to develop the skills, as well as have access to the right devices and affordable connectivity, to fully benefit from being online.”
