Elderly Aussies’ lack of interest in web concerns ACMA

The majority of older non-internet users see no real benefit in using the internet, according to ACMA chairman Chris Chapman.

By contrast, non-internet users aged between 18 and 49 years identified cost as the major barrier to connection.

"The majority (77 per cent) of those not online do not plan to connect or use the internet in the future," Chapman said.

"Addressing these barriers to participation is important for social inclusion and ensuring that all Australians can garner the benefits of online activities in the rapidly evolving digital economy".

The report found 73 per cent of Australians have a home internet connection and 87 per cent of the population has used the internet.

It estimates that of those people using the internet, the proportion that log on more than once a day (‘heavy users') has increased from 36 per cent in the quarter ending September 2004 to 52 per cent in the quarter ending June 2008.

The greater majority of Australian internet users log on at least weekly.

All respondents aged 14 to 17 have used the internet and 92 per cent were heavy or medium users.

Around 55 per cent of those aged 14 to 49 were heavy users, the report found.