Savvy silver surfers happy to spend life on tablets

Researchers found more than half of adults aged over 60 are comfortable with downloading new apps. They are also happy to back up their PC with security software and think nothing of syncing their iPhones, or uploading pictures on Facebook.

The survey also found half of pensioners now have tablet devices and 47 per cent have smart phones, while three-quarters own a laptop and 61 per cent have a PC.

The in-depth study by retirement housing builder McCarthy & Stone found 78 per cent of the 600 over-60s polled said they use the internet to do their banking online. A total of 88 per cent used the internet to research deals and utility quotes or days out.

Other activities tackled online include buying clothes, finding recipes, watching catch-up TV and bidding on auction sites.

Nearly 40 per cent said they use social media to keep in touch with friends and 35 per cent with family. More than half said they use Facebook, with 23 per cent Skyping or instant messaging.