Meet the new screen time enthusiasts: research reveals Australians over 60 are online more than ever

1 December 2025

New research from AustralianSuper reveals that Australians aged 60 and over are emerging as the next generation of screen enthusiasts – increasingly connected and far more tech-savvy than many may assume.

Two-thirds of Australians aged over 60 report they spend more time online now than they did five years ago, clocking an average of nearly three-and-a-half hours per day on phones, computers or tablets.

The rise in screen time points to growing digital confidence among over 60s, with many managing their finances online. 81 per cent of the over 60s surveyed use online banking once a week and 30 per cent access non-banking related financial products such as superannuation on a weekly basis.

As Australians spend more time online, the need for vigilance against cybersecurity threats becomes more important. Encouragingly, 70 per cent of over 60s say they use multi-factor authentication to help protect their personal data.

Yet 86 per cent remain concerned about the risk of being scammed online, and nearly one in four (23 per cent) say they don’t feel confident recognising scams when they arise.

Shane Hancock, AustralianSuper General Manager, Retirement, says the confidence gap highlights the importance of digital literacy and scam awareness for people of all ages.

“The research shows Australians aged over 60 are more digitally engaged than ever. Many are online for hours each day, spending time actively managing their finances, including their superannuation,” he said.

“Increased screen time also brings increased exposure to online risks. The good news is AustralianSuper member insights show those who use multi-factor authentication when logging in, were 20 per cent more likely to report a sense of security than those who don’t.

“As we head into a peak online activity period with Christmas shopping and major sales, we urge members to take a moment to revisit their online safety measures and stay vigilant.”

AustralianSuper’s top 5 tips to stay safe and secure online:

1. Think before you click: When you receive an email or SMS, take a moment to consider signs of phishing such as unusual sender details, spelling errors or urgent language. It’s important to remember to never enter your username and password on a page that opens from a link in an email or SMS. When in doubt, always use the official login page or app or alternatively contact the organisation using a phone number from its official website.
2. Switch on multi-factor authentication (MFA) where available: A simple, second verification login step that can stop most unauthorised access in its tracks.
3. Strengthen your passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for every online account, and keep them private. Avoid reusing passwords or writing them down.
4. Avoid public wi-fi for sensitive transactions: Public networks can be risky. Whenever possible, use a secure connection or a VPN when accessing your accounts.
5. Log Out on Shared Devices: Always log out of your accounts when using public or shared computers to prevent unauthorised access.

For more information on keeping your super safe, visit australiansuper.com/online-security-tips