This older demographic now spends an average of 8.8 hours online per week - a growth of 18% since 2004 - and 78% of the time they spend online is for personal reasons rather than work. One in four log on to the internet in a typical week and weekend use is growing at a rate of 19% year on year.

The internet is quickly becoming a key communication tool for this generation and they are developing a much deeper level of involvement with online content. Use of online forums has seen significant growth of 113% since 2005, with 17% of silver surfers now regularly visiting these sites. The research also dispels the myth that social networking is the domain of the young, nearly one in five (18%) visit sites such as MySpace and Bebo at least once a month - not that far behind the younger digital generation (16-34 year old internet users), 28% of whom regularly access social networking sites.

Making the most of the convenience and costs savings of VoIP is becoming rapidly more popular with this older generation. 14% now regularly make calls over the internet, illustrating 100% year on year growth and further evidence that this group are becoming ever more tech savvy.

Silver surfers are also making the most of the entertainment available online. 21% now listen to the radio online, 7% have downloaded TV programmes and films – 40% year on year growth since 2005 and 7% are enjoying online gaming.

Using email and carrying out searches online seems to be second nature, with 83% regularly carrying out both activities. Keeping up to date with current affairs and news is also important, with nearly two thirds of silver surfers visiting online news sites (61%).