50 years ago the audiocassette was invented. Jump forward half a century and a lot has changed. Digital music is available instantly online, ready to be downloaded onto any number of devices for immediate listening. This relatively new kind of technology has undoubtedly been embraced by the younger generation, but are the over 50s tech savvy enough to take advantage of these kinds of new opportunities?

The research would certainly suggest that a lot of over 50s do have the chance to take advantage of new technology. While some people that were born long before mobile phones were invented may still favour a basic model that does little more than make calls, over a third of over 50s now have either a smartphone or tablet (or both) that is capable of digital media playback.

These devices have made it easier for over 50s to benefit from the kind of technology that was already on offer from more expensive devices such as laptops or desktop computers.

Keeping in touch

While Facebook might have started as a social network site for university students now many over 50s use it to keep in touch with friends and family. One of the biggest appeals of this type of new technology is the opportunity to share photos. With many over 50s living a considerable distance from their children, sharing photos on Facebook allows them to feel more involved with their friends’ and family’s lives.

Video calls through a service like Skype is something that many over 50s enjoy even more than simply seeing pictures. Those that might not have considered themselves tech savvy soon want to learn how to make a video call when they realise it will mean being able to talk to grandchildren that now lives in Australia or a childhood friend that moved to America.

Retail convenience

Other over 50s want to use the internet for entirely different reasons – online shopping. Getting older can make physical shopping more of a challenge – mobile sites and online shopping are the perfect alternatives for over 50s that don’t want to or can’t make it to the shops. Others that are perfectly able just don’t want to miss out on the bargains that can be found online.

For other over 50s new technology has helped make old pastimes easier. Already around 14% of over 50s will leave space-consuming weighty books at home when they go on holiday in favour of slimmer e-readers such as Amazon’s Kindle. After all, the classics are always just as good, even when read electronically. And so the question, recently posted by Castle Cover is, whatever your age, be it 10, 20, 30, 40, 50. . .how technologically savvy are you? Just visit the following survey link to answer.