Ever wondered what pensioners are really using the internet for?

They are glued to the internet and bashing out Facebook messages whilst they look for love or dream of holidays in far off places.

We're not talking about the millennial youth of today, but their tech-savvy grandparents.

New research has highlighted the ways in which elderly people use the internet, showing that technology is actually shrinking the generation gap.

The mobile phone firm EE conducted a survey of Britain's silver surfers in a bid to find out exactly how pensioners used the web.

Two thirds of people aged over 65 told EE they consider the internet and computers to be "the most revolutionary inventions of their lifetime", beating TV, radio and even nuclear power.

Researchers claimed a whopping 520,000 "fortunate" old folk had managed to find love online - although the word "love" is likely to be a euphemism in these carefree days of swiping right on Tinder.

Elderly people are also heavy users of Google Earth, which they use to revisit places from times gone by or research exotic holiday destinations they have never visited.

Stephen Harris, chief corporate and strategy officer at EE, said: "It’s encouraging to see the internet and technology playing such an important role in keeping families connected and ensuring older generations don’t feel isolated from society.

"The research tells us that the over 65s are using the internet at least once a day, but not everyone feels confident in their online skills."

The top ten uses of the internet among people aged over 65

Email

Online shopping

Researching local services and products

Internet banking

Reading news online

Using Google Earth to look up places they have never been

Social media

Using Google Earth to look up places from their past

Property searches

Connecting with old friends

The internet is also emerging as a key way for older people to make new friends, with 63 per cent of survey respondents saying they had joined an online club or social group.

The most popular app for pensioners is Facebook, followed by BBC News, Amazon, Google Maps and Youtube.

EE has joined up with the Royal Voluntary Service for an event called National Techy Tea Party Day, which will be held at more than 500 stores nationwide on Tuesday 8 September.

John Pearson, chief operating officer of the Royal Voluntary Service, added: "It’s important older generations don’t feel intimidated or left out with advances in technology and working with EE we hope to see more and more people getting online and using it to keep in touch with families and friends.”