Older Canadians are proving that the digital divide is alive and well in Canada, a new study released by Ipsos Reid has found. The study shows that Canadian adults aged 55 or older are significantly lagging behind the 18-54 age group when it comes to online use and proficiency. Currently, only 61% of the former group has Internet access compared to 88% in the latter group. Older Canadians also spend 35% less time online each week than their younger counterparts. According to Steve Mossop, the president of western Canadian market research for Ipsos, a "large gap in access combined with older Canadians’ lack of experience and skill and what appears to be an inherent distrust of online security" are major contributors to this disparity.

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

Take a free trial or subscribe to The Wire Report now.