Who'se afraid of new technology then!

Over-50s are increasingly relying on broadband internet to help them communicate with friends and family, new research has shown.

According to the study by Just Retired, 90 per cent of older people use email to keep in touch, while 65 per cent regularly head online to do their shopping.

Commenting on the findings, Nancy Johnson, technology and digital inclusion development manager at Age Concern, said that it is important over-65s are given help and support to allow them to make such good use of the web.

"Access is important, but the key to getting older people online is making sure education and training is available to demystify online technology and also demonstrate the potential benefits of going digital," she stated.