More Adults Over 50 Use the Internet than Ever Before

Growth in use of the Internet mirrors overall population growth

The number of adults over 50 who use the Internet is growing steadily, and that number closely mirrors the overall population growth of adults in the U.S., according to a Harris Poll.

Poll results show that the total number of adults (age 18 and older) who use the Internet -- whether from work, home, schools, libraries and other locations -- has reached an estimated 163 million. Of that total, adults over 50 represent 29 percent, or approximately 47.27 million adults.

Here’s how the Harris Poll demographics break down for adults over 50 who use the Internet:

• All adults over 50 who use the Internet: 29 percent, or approximately 47.27 million. Adults over 50 comprise about 37 percent of the overall U.S. adult population.
• Adults age 50-64 who use the Internet: 29 percent, or approximately 47. 27 million. Adults age 50-64 make up approximately 22 percent of the total U.S. adult population.
• Adults age 65 and over who use the Internet: 8 percent, or a little more than 13 million. Adults age 65 and over comprise about 15 percent of the total U.S. adult population.

For detailed information about U.S. adults who use the Internet, see The Harris Poll® #40, May 12, 2005, "Almost Three-Quarters of All U.S. Adults – An Estimated 163 million – Go Online"