27 October 2008
Britain's over-50s are engaging with broadband internet and using it to carry out a range of activities, new research shows. According to a survey by Alliance & Leicester, almost three-fifths of over-50s use the web to manage their finances, while two in five use it to book their holidays. Furthermore, almost one in five use their broadband connections to log into social networking websites such as Facebook and Friends Reunited. Emma Walkley, Current Account Manager at Alliance & Leicester, said: "Many of the over-50s now choose to engage in the social side of the internet and also have the confidence to organise many aspects of their life online." According to researchers from the University of California, surfing the internet can help to boost the brainpower of older adults and help to ward off dementia. Lead researcher Professor Gary Small explained that online activity can help improve brain function through mental exercise.