Pensioners on social media have doubled

THE number of over 75s using social media has nearly doubled in the last year, Ofcom has found, leaving a less savvy older generation at risk from online scams.

Some 48 per cent of 65 to 74-yearolds with internet connections now have a social media profile, as do 41 per cent of over-75s, up from 19 per cent a year ago. Ofcom warned that older users are less savvy about the internet than their children or grandchildren, with 16 per cent of over 55s saying they never considered privacy implications when uploading a photograph.

Another 54 per cent of over 75s could not identify sponsored links in search results, while 72 per cent were unaware of personalised advertising.

The study found four in 10 baby boomers now use a smartphone, up 11 percentage points in a year, while the use of smartphones among the over 75s has nearly doubled from eight per cent to 15 per cent.

Alison Preston, head of media literacy at Ofcom, said: “The UK’S older generation is beginning to embrace smart technology, and using it to keep in touch with friends and family.

“But some older people lack confidence online. Many are new to the internet, so we’d encourage people to help older friends or family.”