In contrast, 17 per cent of those aged between 55 and 64 own a smartphone.
According to research from Ofcom, there was no increase between 2010 and this year in those aged over 65 using their phones to access the net.
Overall, though, the research found that smartphones now make up 67 per cent of all UK mobile phone sales.
Ian Hosking, the senior research associate at Cambridge University, told the Daily Telegraph: "It is critical that all manufacturers of electronics goods, particularly mobile phones, consider the needs of older users when designing new products.
"There is a real opportunity to address this anxiety and create something that is both stylish and easy to use."
Meanwhile, Will Findlater, editor of Stuff magazine, claimed recently that Apple's dominance in the tablet market shows no signs of waning.
He said that the success of the iPad range means that "Apple still certainly has a stranglehold".
Posted by Andre Dixon
