5 Jan 04

There are currently 11.5 million people aged 55 and over using the Internet in Europe, according to the latest research from Nielsen//NetRatings.

The audience has grown 28% since September 2002. Sweden has the highest proportion of older Internet users, with the Italian and Spanish markets currently having the least number.

Italy has seen the biggest growth in this audience group, with an increase since September 2002 to September 2003 of 3.2%.

Sweden has the highest proportion of women 55+ using the web, which is comparable to the overall gender breakdown in this country, which is one of Europe's most mature Internet markets.

In Germany and Italy only one fifth of the 55+ audience is made up by the female Internet user.