Net loss... a third of over-65s have never used a computer

NEARLY three in 10 Britons aged 65 and older have never used a computer, research shows.

One in 10 homes does not have the internet, adds the Office for National Statistics survey.

It reveals a huge gap between the young and pensioners over using social media.

The number of homes with an internet connection is up from 61 per cent a decade ago and 80 per cent in 2012.

One in five of those without internet access said he or she felt he or she did not have skills to use the web – while nearly 64 per cent felt it was unnecessary because it was not useful or interesting.

Scotland saw the biggest rise in internet use, with 90 per cent of homes there now online, almost double the 48 per cent in 2006.

Internet access rates in Northeast England and Wales trail on 82 and 84 per cent respectively.

The total of over-65s using computers daily has risen from nine per cent in 2006 to 51 per cent now.

But 28 per cent said they had still never used one.

Just 27 per cent of over-65s say they use social media.

Among 16 to 24-year-olds, figure is 96 per cent.

Andrew Kaye, head of policy at charity Independent Age, said: “We must not ignore nearly two in the five households with one adult aged 65 or over not having access to the internet.

“Older people are less likely to shop online, do internet banking or use social media. It’s important people have a choice about how they access services, otherwise we risk disadvantaging older people by going digital by default.”

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK said: “There are reasons why three in 10 have never used a computer, such as worries about costs or security.

“Some are simply not interested and happy with life as it is.

“It’s crucial those who aren’t interested can continue to access services of all kinds in other ways.”