Older New Zealanders just as tech smart as youngsters

Monday, 29 February 2016, 11:11 am
Press Release: Spark

Survey shows older New Zealanders just as tech smart as youngsters

Spark sets up “The Age Hackers” group to bust myths about seniors and technology

Spark is casting doubt on the myths that exist when it comes to older New Zealanders’ ability to learn about new technology, with a survey showing New Zealanders over 55 are no different to anyone else when it comes to an understanding and obsession with tech.

Together with GrownUps, Spark has also selected five tech-savvy seniors to form The Age Hackers – a group of over-60s charged with challenging stereotypes in this space by showing how they use technology in their daily lives, and encouraging people of all ages to do the same.

The survey, which ran during November and December 2015 on the GrownUps website, was completed by 1,500 people over the age of 55. Over 70 percent of respondents said they felt confident or very confident using technology, compared with only two percent who said they lacked confidence. The survey also discovered a very high rate of internet use amongst this group, with 90 percent saying they go online several times a day.

Spark’s CEO of Home Mobile and Business, Jason Paris, said the results aren’t surprising:

“Customers of all ages tell us that they love what technology does for them – and actually, as we grow older, there are many ways technology becomes even more essential in our lives. The Age Hackers are living proof of that. They are using their smartphones, tablets and laptops to stream music and TV, organise busy lives filled with activities, talk to grandchildren all over the world or stay in touch with family while they travel the world themselves. They’re an inspiration and a great example of how this generation is truly redefining what it means to ‘grow old’ – if that expression even applies to them at all!”

Paris said the idea of technology being difficult to use because of a person’s age is an archaic way of thinking:

“The crucial thing when it comes to learning how to use today’s technology is curiosity and a willingness to try things out, because the aim for developers in creating technology is to make it intuitive and easy to use. Our older customers have that curiosity in spades and are using technology in ways that really enhance their lives.”

ENDS

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