Latest research, commissioned by nbn, identifies a new wave of GranTechies – grandparents who are embracing fast broadband and smart devices to form deeper connections with their family and loved ones.
Key findings include:
- The majority of Aussie grandparents surveyed use the internet to connect with their children (76 per cent), grandchildren (59 per cent) and other family members (72 per cent).*
- Grandparents are increasingly using high-bandwidth video calling applications such as FaceTime or Skype to stay in-touch with their grandchildren (35 per cent), while more than half are using Facebook (61 per cent) and email (90 per cent) to connect with their children.*
- Over two thirds (84 per cent) of grandparents who are using the internet to communicate with their family are doing so on a weekly basis.*
- Smartphone users aged 55 and over are the fastest growing segment in Australia, increasing by 27 per cent in the last 12 months. Similarly, tablet users aged 65 and over are the second fastest growing demographic and have increased by 46 per cent in the last 12 months.**
- More than half of grandparents surveyed (62 per cent) agreed using the internet has made them feel more connected, helping them overcome feelings of loneliness and social isolation (41 per cent).*
“We are seeing more and more Aussie grandparents embrace social media and video calling applications to be present for special family milestones, such as a grandchild’s first steps or a close but far away relative’s birthday. I have no doubt that with the ability to access fast and reliable internet services via the nbn™ network, this new wave of ‘GranTechies’ will only continue to increase their adoption of technology to connect more often and more deeply with family and friends.”
*The research was commissioned by nbn, the company behind Australia’s broadband network, and developed by Colmar Brunton – June 2015.
**According to the Telsyte Australian Digital Consumer Study, which was based on a survey of 1,251 Australians aged 16 and over conducted in December 2014.
