Top 40 digital skills over-60s have learned in last 10 years - like making video calls

The top digital skills that over-60s have learnt in the last ten years include making video calls (47%), online shopping (42%), and streaming films and TV shows (18%).

Almost half (49%) of adults over the age of 60 are keen to learn more tech skills, as two-thirds (65%) believe you are never too old to learn new things.

The poll of 1,500 older Brits found that 37% feel becoming more tech-savvy has made their lives easier – with three in 10 (29%) going online to order prescriptions, and 22% using the Web to sell things.

But 39% feel they are far from “tech savvy” – as almost a fifth (18%) are still struggling to get to grips with the daily tasks they now have to do online.

And with almost half (46%) feeling as if they rely on gadgets and technology on a daily basis, six in ten feel there is more pressure on older generations to adapt to using technology as they've been familiar with life without it, compared to the younger generations.

The research, commissioned by BT Group, found one in 10 use their digital skills to feel less lonely.

Using Google Maps - or similar - is one of the top tech skills over-60s have learned in the last decade (SWNS)

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 more than 14.7 million people across the UK make the most of life in the digital world thanks to our resources.”

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

But many felt they needed to adapt to an online world simply in order to complete life admin (37%) and stay connected with others (34%).

For almost one in five (18%) 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, spending this time online shopping (67%), paying bills (62%), and keeping up to date with the news (53%).

And while 58% of those polled, via OnePoll, taught themselves how to use various devices, 17% took an in-person class, and 29% learnt via their child.

Victoria Johnson added: “Our 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.”

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 on apps like WhatsApp and Messenger
7. Taking a photo on a mobile phone
8. Using QR codes
9. Setting up group chats
10. How to connect to Wi-Fi
11. Using a USB stick
12. Ordering online prescriptions
13. Booking holidays online
14. Comparing insurance quotes
15. Editing photos on a 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