The internet has provided the techno-savvy elderly population with a new lease of life, according to a national charity.

Speaking on behalf of Age Concern, Monica Evans said that many people in the demographic have restricted mobility and less access to transport, and many are discovering the benefits of shopping on the web and finding alternatives to the norm.

The spokeswoman noted that as well as providing extra opportunities and access to items and products online, many elderly people are battling isolation by using chat rooms, exchanging ideas or encouragement and emailing their friends and family.

Ms Evans continued: "Many older users say the internet has changed their lives for the better and the annual Silver Surfer awards bear testimony to the enjoyment and learning older people can derive from technology, especially the internet."

According to independent travel agency sunshine.co.uk, 62 per cent of all holidays that were booked by older people are done using online methods.

In a recent survey of SMEs for Connect, the two most important benefits of outsourcing were guaranteed response times and allowing in-house IT staff to concentrate on more strategic issues.