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* Findings show that improving over-65s' digital literacy, so they could better monetise their skills online, could unlock over £1bn in economic value
* Grandmother
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While Gen Z (18-24 year-olds) might be better known for online side hustles, over-65s are knitting, sewing and baking their way to spare cash, often marrying a lifetime of expertise with digital skills to gain followers and funds.
The Gen Z cohort make an average of £1,100 a year, around double what over-65s are making. Yet the
The research showed over-65s were 30% more likely to possess useful real world skills such as baking and knitting, than those under-65 (see table).
Yet when it comes to digital skills - which would enable them to turn their hobby into a way of generating extra income - the research showed older people are less confident than younger generations.
Despite nearly half (46%) of over-65s striving to improve their digital skills,
Upskilling half of the over-65s who possess traditional skills, but are not confident with their digital skills, could create over £1.2bn of economic value.3
It comes as
Grandmother-of-four Helen, 60, set up 'Something Completely Different, (SCD) With Love' five years ago - an online side-hustle specialising in painting staircase murals as well as painting ceramics.
She explained: "The amount of money I make through my side hustle varies, it's usually around £1,500 for painting a staircase mural and I do about three each year.
"I began painting staircases five years ago for a bit of fun and to earn a bit of extra money, starting with a pub I used to work at in
"I used to get maybe one job a year through word-of-mouth and it was more of a hobby. But when I learned how to use social media to promote myself it turned into something more serious. I expect my business to earn £4,500 this year.
"I've been able to build my audience on social media to promote my work across Instagram and Facebook, reaching so many more people than just word of mouth alone.
"I would urge older people like me to learn digital skills where they can, it's not difficult and a little bit of knowledge goes a long way. I've been able to take something I love and turn it into a side hustle that makes me a bit of cash to treat the grandkids".
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Notes to editors:
1 Research is from a Opinium poll of 2,000
Breakdown of over 65s traditional skills vs.18 to 34-year-olds:
More than twice as many older people know how to wire a plug as young people (84% vs 39%)
Repair clothes (73% vs 50%)
Polish shoes (99% vs 78%)
Iron clothes (95% vs 86%)
Light a BBQ (76% vs 66%)
Grow plants (86% vs 68%)
Home-making (94% vs 71%)
Knitting (50% vs 31%)
Baking (75% vs 80%)
Restoration (39% vs 39%)
Vehicle maintenance (45% vs 43%)
2Source: the latest
3Source: research from the
4Source:
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