Older people are missing out on critical services because they do not use the internet, a report says.
Just 28% of people over the age of 65 have home internet access, compared to a UK average of 57% of households.
As a result, pensioners cannot access government services as well as the most competitive deals on commercial goods.
The findings are part of a wider survey by a consumer panel at telecoms regulator Ofcom looking at the online access of marginalised groups.
The survey also looked at online use by disabled people and those living in rural areas.