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February 2007

Britain's silver surfers lead the way in Europe

Britain’s “silver surfers” spend more time and money on the web than their counterparts in Europe an AXA report has shown.

Internet usage has edged ahead of DIY and gardening as retired people’s favourite hobby. 88% of retired people chat regularly with friends and family over the net and 40% are regular shoppers.

British retirees spend an average of six hours online every week. This level of internet surfing puts retired Britons amongst the top five users of “web time” in the nations surveyed for the global study.

The most popular internet activities of the UK's over 65s were:

  • 84% E-mailing
  • 83% Searching for information
  • 45% Purchasing travel tickets
  • 35% Banking
  • 28% Reading the news

For more information on internet use and computer training for over 50s visit the Directgov website

Why not have a look at other pastimes in the I am retired section of this website.