Over-50s taking gadgets on holiday

The rapid uptake of smartphones, tablet computers and social media has led to an increase in over-50s taking their new technology on holiday with them.

Ceri Wheeldon, founder of Fabafterfifty, said that people are taking gadgets abroad with them in an effort to keep in touch with the latest developments on Facebook and Twitter.

She noted that it has become common practice for over-50s to take mobile phones and upgraded smartphones abroad.

"People now see more of their virtual friends, so to speak, because they are in contact with those people on a daily basis they have become more current and perhaps in some ways even more important than friends they see occasionally," she added.

The expert noted that the growth of Wi-Fi has also contributed to holidaymakers taking their gadgets abroad, with many now refusing to book a stay in a place that has no access to the internet.

She added that more and more people are now taking their technology abroad with them as they like to keep in touch with work so they don't have as much to do when they return.