Whilst silver surfers have embraced technology, with 61 percent of over 65s now using the internet on a weekly basis1 , there is a danger that older practical abilities like sewing on a button and even boiling an egg may die out.

According to the survey by Phoenix, over 65s clock up over 21 hours of online time a week, with 92% saying that they use the internet to look at email, 61% manage their finances online, 53% purchase lifestyle shopping and 34% find recipes.

In contrast, millennials are lacking the everyday practical abilities that their parents and grandparents learnt.

According to the survey:

• Fifteen percent of 18-35 year olds have never boiled an egg compared to 3% of over 65s
• A massive 41% have never changed a fuse compared to 13% of over 65s
• 25% have never sewn or repaired clothes compared to 17% of over 65s
• 41% of millennials have never eaten food that they’ve grown, compared to 19% of over 65s
• 63% haven’t changed a tyre, compared to 47% of the over 65s
• 11% have never hand-written a letter, compared to 3% of over 65s

“It’s encouraging how the internet is enabling people of all ages run their lives,” says Shellie Wells, Head of Corporate Communications at the Phoenix Group. “But it is a bit worrying that 15% of millennials have never even boiled an egg!”

However, whilst over 65s are increasing their use of the internet, they have some concerns about using it and nearly three in four over 65s (73%) dread using it in some way.

• The biggest concern for the over 65s is online hacking with 55% concerned about it
• One in three (38%) are concerned about being able to tell whether a source is legitimate or false
• Two in five (39%) over 65s hate dealing with pop-ups
• One in three (36%) are scared of clicking on something and getting a virus

¹ Office of National Statistics Internet Access figures (August 2017)

“It’s clear there is room for some practical knowledge swapping” concludes Wells. “Older people can teach their grandchildren to boil eggs, for example, whilst millennials can play a key role in helping their parents and grandparents stay safe on the internet, teaching them how to spot scams and fraud.”

-Ends-

Enquiries

Darcy Lillie
Media Relations Consultant
Phoenix Group
020 3735 0102 / 07814 773 280
darcy.lillie@thephoenixgroup.com

Leonie Garfield
Lansons
0207 294 3649
leonieg@lansons.com

Notes to editors

Phoenix Group is the UK’s largest specialist consolidator of closed life funds with over 5.6 million policyholders and £74 billion of assets held by the Group’s life companies, including the acquired Abbey Life, AXA Wealth and SunLife businesses. The Group employs around 1,300 people split across the Group, with around 600 based at Wythall, its main operating centre.