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We have been surprised, very surprised. Have spoken to many pharmacists who say 'my customers are too old to be online and certainly won't use a website'!
Well we have never accepted that as we know it's not true and often quote the latest research from the Office of National Statistics this year - see table at the bottom.
The over 50's represent the fastest growing group adopting broadband and the %age of over 50's, 60's and even 75+ may surprise you?
The over 80's may not be online to any great extent but we have many over 80's ordering repeat prescriptions themselves and our recors is an 92 year old! The next generation coming up behind this group are widely online and this is a large portion of your customer base - they expect to be able to carry out tasks online now. You cannot book a plane ticket to the sun, a ticket to an event or pay bills now if you are not online.
We have seen a huge increase in mobile traffic from the over 65's too, who seem more comfortable using ipads and tablets (and even phones) than they are with a computer. The intuitive use and large button based operations appeal to them.
ONS rftinternetaccess2012q2_tcm77-276191 table
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Table 1B: Internet users and non users, UK
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Persons aged 16 years and over
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Ever used
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2011 Q2
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2011 Q3
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2011 Q4
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2012 Q1
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2012 Q2
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All adults
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82.3
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82.9
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83.5
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83.7
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84.3
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Age group (years)
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16-24
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98.8
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98.6
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98.7
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98.6
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98.9
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25-34
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97.7
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97.8
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98.0
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98.3
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98.5
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35-44
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95.4
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95.6
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95.9
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96.0
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96.4
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45-54
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89.9
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90.2
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90.5
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90.8
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91.6
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55-64
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79.2
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79.9
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81.1
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81.8
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82.7
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65-74
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57.6
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58.7
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59.8
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61.3
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62.4
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75+
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23.6
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27.3
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29.0
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27.4
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28.6
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Sex
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Male
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84.6
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85.3
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86.1
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86.1
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86.6
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Female
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80.1
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80.6
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81.0
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81.3
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82.0
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