More than half of Americans age 65 and older (53%) are online as of April 2012, up from 41% in August 2011, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Among these, 70% use the Internet daily, and 39% have broadband access at home. Internet use is more widespread among those ages 65-75 than those over 75. Just over a third of people over 75 (34%) are online, and only 21% have broadband.
Almost seven in 10 adults age 65 and older (69%) have cell phones, 48% have desktop computers, and 32% have laptops. About one in 10 have e-readers (11%) or tablets (8%).
More than a third of online adults age 65 and older (34%) have used social networks, and 18% used them “yesterday.” Email is popular among older adults; 86% use it, compared to 90% of 50-64-year-olds, 93% of 30-49-year-olds, and 91% of 18-29-year-olds.
Source: “Older Adults and Internet Use,” June 6, 2012, Pew Internet & American Life Project, Kathryn Zickuhr, Research Specialist, 1615 L St., NW, #700, Washington, DC 20036; 202-419-4500; info@pewinternet.org; www.pewinternet.org. Price: Available online at no charge.
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