Three-quarters of over 65s online in the South West are using social media

75% of those living in the South West aged over 65 who are online, are using social media, according to the findings of a recent nationwide YouGov study.  

The study was commissioned by stairlift maker Stannah. Results from the survey found that Facebook was the most popular social media platform used by over 65s in the South West, with over half (54%) accessing the social network website, followed by almost one-third (31%) using video sharing site, YouTube and around one-fifth, (21%) using instant messaging service, WhatsApp. 

Half (50%) of those surveyed in the region said that they spend up to 15 minutes a day on social media, with one in ten (11%) spending 31 to 45 minutes on social media sites in a typical day.  Only 5% said they spent more than an hour a day on social media sites, compared to 10% in the South East, 11% in the West Midlands and 14% in London.

The most popular devices for older people to access social media in the South West are a personal computer or laptop, with just over one-third (38%), a similar number, (37%) using a tablet and almost a quarter (23%) using a smartphone.

Commenting on the research, Patrick Stannah, Managing Director at Stannah Stairlifts, said: “It’s clear to see that the popularity of social media transcends the generations, with older people making the most of the technology available, especially to keep in touch with family and friends or update themselves with the latest news.  We know that the over 65s can be at risk of loneliness, so having other ways of keeping in touch with the people closest to them is very important.

“As this study shows, retired people are keeping up to speed with new technology, which can help to keep their minds active and encourage them to learn new skills. There’s no reason why older people can’t continue to keep ahead of the technology curve, benefitting from the positive experience that being part of social networks can offer.”