Pensioners shun online shops to keep local stores open

Loyal pensioners are refusing to shop online because they fear it will lead to the closure of their local stores and the loss of jobs, a study has found.

Lancaster University’s Dr Bran Knowles, who co-authored the Wisdom of Older Technology (Non)users report ( www.snipca.com/ 27363), said her results dispel the myth that older people shun technology because it confuses them.

She said pensioners “can use any technology they want to use”, but often choose not to for “social” reasons, in particular that it might result in the death of “vibrant town centres in which to socialise with friends”.

She added: “They are worried about losing opportunities for social interaction with people, they are worried about people’s jobs being replaced by the internet and losing the sense of community which comes from town centres rather than online shopping”.

One pensioner interviewed for the study was worried when the “delightful” receptionist at her local sports centre was replaced by an app that took bookings over the phone.

Another said she didn’t want to pay for her road tax online because she wanted to “keep the post office open”, while several had fears that technology would replace jobs their grandchildren could do.

The study, which involved pensioners aged 66 to 86, also showed that older people are happy to use email, but are concerned it might replace face-to-face contact, and therefore increase loneliness.

In addition, they were reluctant to make their life an “open book” online by sharing personal details on social media, and didn’t want to spend too much time on their phones - both trends they identified as being a problem in younger generations. Do you prefer local stores to online shopping? Let us know: letters@computeractive.co.uk