The broadband train is full steam ahead at the moment as superfast services are rolled out across the country but as we enter a new generation of the digital age, why are many of the older generation still refusing to climb aboard? Jane Wakefield, BBC Technology reports:

There are 9.2m (18%) adults who have never used the internet and 27% who do not have internet access at home.

And age appears to be the biggest factor. According to ONS figures, 99% of those aged 16-24 have used the internet, dropping to just 40% of those aged 65 or over.

Charity Age UK is so concerned that it warned that unless more could be done to help older people get online "there is serious concern that they'd become more and more marginalised members of society".

Most of the obstacles that have - in the past - stopped people are being overcome.

Internet-enabled devices are easier to use and, with the rise of smartphones and touch screen televisions, it is no longer necessary to have a PC to enjoy the web. Internet TV is also is on the verge of offering another new alternative to the computer.

Touch type

For older people the biggest barrier is fear of technology, thinks Bill Dutton, director of the Oxford Internet Institute, a body which studies the impact of the internet on society.

"The older generation are more distrustful of technology. They have the attitude that 'I've got along all my life without it' and in that respect getting online becomes a lifestyle issue," he said.

But they also have the most to gain from the net.

Many over-60s do not seem to be getting the message about the advantage of being connected, according to research conducted by the Post Office.

Fewer than one in 10 over 60s were aware that they could save money through online deals, only 17% thought the internet would make shopping easier and just 6% were aware that they could manage their money online.

One thing that appears to be crossing the age divide is the Apple iPad. Figures compiled by YouGov show that 20% of new iPad owners fell in the over-55 bracket, compared with 27% for 25-34-year-olds and 24% for 35-44 year-olds.

Touchscreen technology is proving a hit in care homes in Sheffield, where it is bringing internet access to a generation unfamiliar with the traditional keyboard.

The touchscreen system, dubbed MAAVIS, was designed at Sheffield University to provide a simpler interface for elderly residents to use Skype, access social networks and watch online videos.

"We found that even mentioning the word 'computer' to elderly people put them off," said Dr Peter Cudd, who developed the technology.

"Our programme allows users to access the same information technology as the rest of the population - and the best thing is they don't even feel like they are using a computer."

One of the care homes has applied for a £20,000 grant to get the touch-screen computers installed permanently.

For those who are embracing new technologies, there has never been a better time to climb aboard as a new generation of broadband begins to see the light of day.

The UK is finally getting round to building a decent next-generation internet network that will allow some people to surf at speeds of up to 100Mbps (megabits per second) and take advantage of as yet undreamed-of applications.

Perhaps some of them will appeal to those who have, until now, seen no relevance in the online world.

Source: BBC