Only 25% of the adult population in Ireland contribute to Social
Networking sites, with 70% of young adults under 24 years being regular contributors.
However a key emerging trend is that of the Silver Surfer.
In population terms, 21% of adult Internet users are older than
50 years, and account for the largest online spend across a range of Internet
areas including Holiday and Travel services. Half of over-50s said life without
the Internet was unimaginable. The Silver Surfers shop as often as younger generations
with 70% of 50 year old - plus shopping online regularly, a similar level to
the 18-34 year old groups. The actual spend of the Silver Surfer is significantly
higher than that of the younger groups accounting for 30% on actual online spend
in Ireland estimated at €150 million in 2007.
The rise of fast net connections means people are more able
to browse web pages at high speed, download files such as music or films and
play online games.
The internet can be an effective means of delivering access
to vital services and information about health, hobbies and employment, as well
as helping older people keep in touch with friends and family and access vital
public services and better information, education and advice was vital in closing
the digital divide in Ireland.
The Irish Silver Surfers and the most regular and active online
users of Internet Banking, Online Shopping, Tax Returns and access to News and
Entertainment sites and email, so an important and forgotton demographic in
Ireland. While the media is focused on the kids using Bebo or Facebook, the
Silver Surfers are getting on (no pun intented) and transacting real commercial
activities online, with significant disposal income (unlike the young adults
or teenagers).
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