June 2008 UK Over 55s are Most Enthusiastic Computer Users

A survey of UK computing habits has revealed that the over 55s are the UK’s most frequent home computer users, with 95 percent using their home computer every day. In addition, 77 percent of this age group go online more than once a day with 76 percent of respondents using it to buy items online and 70 percent to browse goods. Over 1,000 respondents took part in the Tickbox survey in 2007, commissioned by Microsoft to find out how people are using their computers at home, six months after the launch of Windows Vista.

The research highlighted that online shopping is the nation’s favourite computing pastime with 83 percent of all respondents using their computer to buy online, 71 percent using it to browse online shopping websites and 40 percent using it to sell items online. While browsing was the one of the main computer activities for 78 percent of respondents, other hobbies included storing and managing photos (64 percent) and listening to music (48 percent). In the over 55s group, 61 percent of respondents use their home computer to store and manage photos but a high 47 percent also use computer applications to edit or alter the photos – more than in any other age group.

The survey also highlighted consumer concerns with using home computers.

The greatest worry was identity theft, for just under a third of respondents, most notably in the 25-34 (32 percent) and 35-44 (37 percent) age brackets. This was closely followed by fears of a virus attack for 28 percent of the total respondents; this was of particular concern to the 16-24 (30 percent) and over 55s (27 percent) age groups. Poor online security was also a source of anxiety for 14 percent overall.

Mike Haigh, Windows Client Marketing Manager, Microsoft UK, said, “With the growth in online activities such as shopping and emailing photos, it is good to see that consumers of all ages are increasingly aware of security threats. Technology is getting smarter so it’s easier for people to use safely – as the survey shows, it is the older consumers who are really getting a lot out of their home computer. For example, there are now in-built safeguards in Windows Vista to recognise fraudulent websites and prevent malicious attacks. We believe that Windows Vista will help consumers surf and use their computers with peace of mind.”

Other key findings highlighted in the research include:

• Despite the rising popularity of social networks, only 22.9 percent of people surveyed have embraced this trend and have a web presence.
• Only a third of respondents surveyed play games on their computers and as few as 21 percent watch TV programmes, films and videos on their computer.
• Both men and women use home computers to store and manage photos. However, women are more likely to use their home computer to email and share photos (51 percent of women) whereasmen are more inclined to edit photos (52 percent of men).
• Online shopping is most popular with the 16-24 generation with 74 percentof respondents, however just over half of the 25 – 34 group use it to sell online.
• Three quarters of respondents feel they are not using their home computer to its full potential.

Regional findings highlighted a number of key trends:

• Yorkshire residents use their home computers the most often (94 percent).
• Londoners are more likely to use their computers for music, with just over a half using their computer to listen to music and 40 percent downloading music.
• Identity theft is the biggest concern for the Scottish (38 percent), followed by the North West (31 percent).

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