Lack of understanding keeps half of older people offline Of the 10 million Britons over 65, according to ONS data, 5.7 million have never used the internet. By comparison, uptake among 15-24 year-olds is around 99.8 per cent. A survey of 231 people over the age of 65 by internet provider Plusnet reveals that 41 per cent of those without internet access cite lack of understanding and the fact there is inadequate training for not installing a connection, and 38 per cent of think it is not "relevant or useful." However, two thirds of those who have the internet in the over 65 category say they "couldn't live without" the internet, potentially showing that those who connect quickly integrate it into their daiy lives. Social networking was also popular, even with those 75 and older, almost a third of whom said they regularly used Facebook. The most common uses cited for using the internet by the over 65s were to search for deals and shop (84 per cent) and to research information (79 per cent). Plusnet CEO James Ford said: "It is really encouraging to see that so many over 65s are getting online and really making the most out of the internet. There is no reason for anyone to feel their age means they can't get the best out of what technology has to offer. The survey coincides with the first day of Spring Online, a campaign that encourages and supports individuals and organisations to run free taster sessions to introduce older people and less confident users to digital technology. Last year hundreds of Spring Online events were held at libraries, schools, housing schemes, UK online centres, cafés and community groups.