Gray future: research reveals the habits of the elderly on the Internet

99% of people over 60 use the Internet every day to read the news, talk to family and friends, or produce content

A new historical moment is knocking on the door: for the first time, in the next 30 years there will be more over 60s than young people, according to a survey by the National Institute of Aging (NIH) in the United States. Therefore, it is essential to understand the relationship of older people with technology, what is their usual use and what are the difficulties in relation to accessing the Internet.

This was the challenge of the survey “Design for the future: internet in the elderly”, which listened to more than 200 elderly people, between 60 and 92 years old, from different profiles and regions of Brazil.

The mapping carried out by the consultancy thujaspecialized in design and user experience, it also saw the participation of specialists in the field of Design and Technology, in addition to the analysis of articles and reports, to map digital solutions for the benefit not only of the current elderly, but also of those who will arrive in next decades.

“The Design of Futures is a market strategy that helps companies of all sectors to rethink products, adapt to new trends and technologies and also to understand a need or a behavioral novelty of consumers, allowing the creation of a product or service unprecedented,” explains Gilmar Gumier, founder of Tuia.

internet preferences

According to the CNDL (National Confederation of Shopkeepers), there has been a 12% increase in internet use by the elderly during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the elderly were the public most at risk.

Even with the pandemic scenario under control, the habit has not changed and the frequency of access is high: 99% of over 60s use the internet every day, with 78% stating that they do not need the help of third parties to surf the internet; 44% had the help of family and acquaintances to start using the internet, while 26% taught themselves and an average of 21% learned by working.

About 59% of respondents said they have started using the Internet to stay informed, talk to friends and family (55%), learn how to use new technologies (52%) and work (42%). Like the internet, the number of over-60s who have a mobile phone for personal use, the main means of connection, has also increased from 66.6% to 71.2%.

As far as the operating system is concerned, Android is the most used among the elderly population and the most popular mobile phone brands are Samsung and Motorola.

The main difficulties cited by the elderly in using the Internet are unfamiliarity with online tools and language (26%), blocked or lost passwords (15%), accidental deletion of documents (7%) and motor, visual or memorization limitations (7%).

They are very active on social media.

Social networks are also widely used by 81% of respondents, followed by activities such as reading the news (68%) and sending instant text messages (57%), on the following networks: WhatsApp (92%), Facebook (85% ), YouTube (77%) and Instagram (69%). Other frequent activities are: making video calls, watching streaming videos, films and series, researching prices and promotions, as well as using digital banking services.

Currently the favorite activities of the elderly on the internet are: getting information, watching live shows, concerts, physical activity lessons and meditation with the aim of keeping themselves actively healthy, according to a survey by the Unati/UEM (University of the Third Age – State University of Maringa). But there are also those who use the internet to produce and share content as digital influencers.

“Because I’ve had diabetes for years, I started making lives to help people and share information. So my Instagram started to have several followers, but I don’t pay much attention to this network, I prefer to use my Instagram account,” says Carmen Wills, 92.

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Source: Terra

Amanda

I am Amanda Gans, a motivated and ambitious professional in the news writing industry. With over five years of experience in this field, I have developed an eye for detail and an ability to craft stories that captivate readers. I currently write for Gossipify, where I specialize in beauty & celebrities news. My passion lies with exploring the world of beauty through writing, interviewing experts and developing articles that are both informative and entertaining.