It’s official, Australian seniors are increasingly getting into online. Perhaps what’s most interesting is how they are using digital technology, setting new trends in an arena that’s tradtionally been the playground for Gen Y and other early adopters.
Shopping
The Sensis Social Media Report, shows a surprising number of seniors are taking part in the group buying phenomenon and are using well-known sites like Cudo, Scoopon and Spreets, where discounted goods and services are available each day for a limited time. Given that usage of these sites represents 12 per cent of social media users overall, the over 65 group are no slouches at bargain buys, with 10 per cent having picked up a deal. Clearly value for money, and the opportunity to do hassle free shopping is working with this demographic.
Speaking out
Our savvy seniors are also not afraid to share their opinions in online communities with 24 per cent of over 65s having provided online ratings for things like accommodation, restaurants and movies that they’ve loved or hated. This is impressive use of feedback, given the average is only 3 per cent higher for all Australian users of social media.
Savings
In terms of online banking, over 150,000 of our regular NetBank users are at least 65 years old, with a few having celebrated their 100th birthday, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to online.
Given how older Australians are embracing tech and to prove how easy internet banking can be, we took the irrepressible Bob and Doreen down to the mall to share a bit of online smarts (and some of Doreen’s sponge cake) to a younger audience.