The older generation are increasingly opting for broadband, according to a new survey.

According to statistics from the European Advertising Association (EIAA), among the over 55s nearly seven in ten (68 per cent) have a broadband connection.

Moreover, it is silver surfers who are taking up broadband quicker than any other demographic, with an adoption level of 26 per cent compared with the average of 14 per cent.

Among the most popular sites for older internet users were social networking sites and price comparison sites, the survey showed.

Alison Fennah, executive director of the EIAA, said: "It is interesting to see the effect that increased broadband penetration is having on how silver surfers are communicating and spending their leisure time.

"We expect this exponential growth to continue as the internet plays an even bigger part in the daily lives of this slightly older demographic."

The average a surfer from the older generation will use the internet for 8.8 hours a week.