IT - Turning Techie

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus - and when it comes to computers, this theory certainly appears to hold true.

A survey published by Age Concern and Barclays reveals that men aged 55+ mostly use the internet for pursuing hobbies and finding information (78%) while women in this age group use it more as an alternative to the telephone for chatting with friends and family here and abroad (86%).

The survey, conducted by ICM, also shows that almost all those who give IT a go are hooked. Two-thirds of IT users in the 55+ age group agreed that the Internet has had a positive impact on their lives. However, there are still many people aged 55+ who have never tried the Internet. 66% of these people say they have no intention of ever taking part in the IT revolution.

The research is the second project resulting from Web Aware, a three-year partnership between Age Concern and Barclays, the UK's leading online bank. The partnership will help to bring the advantages of IT to over 55s and include them in the technological and social revolution of the Internet.

Tony Frances, 65, took part in an IT course after retiring from HGV driving and bought a computer to use as a joint hobby for himself and his wife, Val, also 65. The couple are a prime example of how the sexes differ in their relationship with the Internet. Together they also run a website on orchids.

While speaking about his favourite ways of using IT and the Internet, Mr Frances said: "My wife is better at picking things up than me. She emails people all the time. I tend to search around looking up history and geography sites and spend hours restoring family photographs."

Mrs Frances sees the Internet in a more 'Venutian' light: "I spend more time on the Internet than my husband. I have to ration myself or I'll get addicted. I email people from all over the world, answering queries from our website on orchids, and keeping in touch with my grandkids. I think absolutely all retired people should have a PC simply because it gives you knowledge and knowledge is power."

Trends indicate that it is clear that the increase in the number of families with friends or relatives overseas will impact on Internet use between the generations and email will become a serious competitor to the telephone, which is still the preferred method of contact (79%).

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