Nearly one in five over-60s are still struggling to adapt to an online world, according to research from BT Group.

The survey of 1,500 older adults found 39 per cent feel they are anything but ‘tech savvy’, with 18 per cent finding it difficult to get to grips with the online tasks they now have to do day-to-day.

Six in 10 think there's more pressure on older generations to adapt to using technology because they've been familiar with life without it, compared to the younger generations.

As a result, almost half want to learn more tech skills, as 46 per cent feel they have to rely on gadgets and technology on a daily basis.

In the last 10 years, the typical over-60 has learnt 12 new tech related skills including making video calls (47 per cent), online shopping (42 per cent) and how to use QR codes (32 per cent). With one in 10 using tech skills in order to feel less lonely, this festive season is a great time to encourage the older people in your life to learn new things.

Ordering prescriptions (29 per cent), selling things online (22 per cent) and streaming films and TV shows (18 per cent) also featured in the list of modern skills older adults have grown used to.

And 65 per cent believe you are never too old to learn new things.

Victoria Johnson, Social Impact Director at BT Group, said: “It’s brilliant to see through this research just how much over 60s have learnt in a short space of time and that they’re keen to keep learning. To date, we’ve helped over 14.7 million people across the UK make the most of life in the digital world thanks to our resources.

“BT Group’s purpose is to connect for good, and one of the ways we do this is by helping older people boost their confidence and understanding of digital tools and technology. To work towards an inclusive digital future for the UK, we need to ensure that everyone is getting the benefits that technology offers.”

The study also found seven in 10 of those polled had to use technology in their most recent job, including emails (69 per cent), spreadsheets (41 per cent) and group chats (19 per cent).

Many felt they have needed to adapt to an online world in order to complete life admin (37 per cent) and stay connected with others (34 per cent).

Of those surveyed 37 per cent said doing so has made their life easier, while 18 per cent said using technology has helped them feel less isolated and lonely.

The typical day sees the older age group spend an average of four hours online, by online shopping (67 per cent), paying bills (62 per cent) and keeping up to date with news (53 per cent).

Whilst  58 per cent taught themselves how to use various devices, 17 per cent took an in-person class and 29 per cent learnt via their child.

More on how BT Group can help with a range of resources can be found here: Helping you learn new digital skills 

TOP 40 TECH SKILLS OVER 60S HAVE LEARNT IN THE PAST 10 YEARS:

1. Making video calls        
2. Sending emails              
3. Online shopping           
4. Online banking              
5. Using Google Maps (or similar)            
6. Sending messages in a group chat      
7. Taking a photo on a mobile phone      
8. Using QR codes             
9. Setting up group chats on apps like WhatsApp and Messenger
10. How to connect to WiFi            
11. Using a USB stick          
12. Ordering online prescriptions
13. Booking holidays online            
14. Comparing insurance quotes 
15. Editing photos on your phone or computer               
16. Using Bluetooth            
17. Posting content on social media
18. Setting up social media accounts        
19. Making an online reservation 
20. Selling things online
21. Downloading a covid ‘pass’
22. Listening to the radio 
23. Storing things on the cloud     
24. Filming a video on a mobile phone      
25. Choosing a restaurant
26. Streaming films/TV shows      
27. Setting up home tech 
28. Using a smart speaker
29. Using spreadsheets    
30. Streaming music           
31. Ordering food on an app          
32. Setting up hands free in the car            
33. Listening to a podcast
34. Applying for jobs online            
35. Setting up /using a fitness tracker       
36. Setting up a VPN          
37. Creating a reel
38. Using hashtags on social media            
39. Using a games console              
40. Setting up a YouTube channel             

ENDS

BT Group’s purpose

BT Group’s purpose is to connect for good, and we recognise that we will only succeed if we create products and services that directly address the challenges faced by the communities and customers we serve. BT Group has a long-standing history of being a responsible business. As well as providing essential communications services, we have led on climate action for almost three decades and supported people with their digital skills, most recently through BT Group Digital Skills.

In December 2021 BT Group launched its new Manifesto, BT Group’s agenda for growth. It outlines our ambitious goals for change: our net zero carbon and circular economy pathways; our targets to help build our customers digital skills; our ambition to energise a more diverse digital talent movement. It also includes requirements for bold policy changes to enable this journey.

The BT Group Manifesto incorporates BT Group’s core beliefs and is split into three beliefs – to act more responsibly, create a more inclusive society and be more sustainable. By forming the Manifesto, BT Group is creating a movement to inspire businesses to commit to doing better; enabling the nation to take action on responsible technology, climate change and improving their digital skills.

Find out more about our beliefs here.

The Covid-19 pandemic led to a leap in digitalisation with the Lloyds Bank UK consumer digital index 2021 report – which takes an annual snapshot of digital skills in the UK – suggesting that there are 1.5 million more people now using the internet since the start of the outbreak. Whilst this means that 95 per cent of people are now ‘online’, up from 92 per cent pre-pandemic, it also highlights that five per cent are not online, putting them at greater risk of being excluded from day-to-day services and activities.  The same report also highlights the value of local support to help people build their digital skills and confidence. In fact, 67% of people surveyed said they would improve their digital skills if they knew local support was available.

This week, we celebrate Get Online Week - the annual national campaign delivered by Good Things Foundation, the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity. Now is a great time to reflect on the issue at hand and how championing digital skills is essential to ultimately create a more inclusive and more sustainable society.

Inclusion

Lack of digital skills is an issue that spans both generations and socio-economic groups.

Conversations around digital inclusion tend to focus on older people as they struggle to get online. The Ageing Better’s State of Ageing 2022 report demonstrated this, highlighting the surprising fact that over three million people aged 55 and over have never been online. Lack of digital skills can also affect others – including people who face wider challenges around poverty, education or disability – and people who have the means but lack the support and encouragement.

There is also the challenge, when tackling an issue such as digital skills, that there is such a broad range of skills required. From those starting at the basic level of turning on the laptop to more intermediate skills such as sending an email or catching up with friends on Zoom.

But failure to act as we move further and further into a digital world risks putting more and more people at becoming isolated from society. An example that illustrates just how pressing this issue has become is how critical digital skills are to accessing health services today. The shift to digital was catalysed by the pandemic but will likely remain a necessity moving forwards. Worrying statistics from research by Opinion Matters on behalf of BT Group that found that almost half (45 per cent) of those in the UK have either struggled, or know someone who has struggled, to access NHS health services using apps or online tools since the start of the pandemic. These services are absolutely vital as we enter the winter months, especially for older people and more vulnerable groups, so we need to ensure that everyone has the knowledge, skills and confidence to use them.

Sustaining a developing society

Without greater inclusion, we also run the risk of reverting backwards on the growth and development we have seen to date. The aforementioned prospect of digital automation is becoming a greater part of our lives, and if we do not support further people to get to grips with it, the only solution is to go back to our old ways. This also then has a knock-on effect across industries who depend on these systems, a worrying thought given that businesses are already seeing a huge gap in talent that are proficient in digital skills.  Good Things Foundation set up Get Online Week 14 years ago - and it is even more relevant and important today, with 10 million adults lacking the most basic digital skills needed for everyday life. Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation, commented “We invite everyone to #TryOneThing this Get Online Week to develop your digital skills. We want everyone to feel able and safe online, and have the internet access they need. Fixing the digital divide has never been more important or urgent.”

Bridging the Gap

While bridging the digital skills gap will take a multi-pronged, joined up approach across the technology value chain, one of the quickest and easiest solutions we can put in place is making information accessible to those most in need of it. Organisations such as Good Things Foundation - with its free resources like Learn My Way and the National Databank - offer valuable support to charities and local organisations across the country working to close the digital divide.  

At BT Group, we are committed to supporting the nation to improve their digital skills. To date, we have reached 14.7m people with help to improve their digital skills, including supporting SMEs, jobseekers, empowering young people to get PhoneSmart and tackling online hate with Hope United.