Seniors continue to rely mainly on their home phone for communication, despite most other Australians ditching fixed lines for mobiles.
In the six months to May, 55 per cent of over-65s relied mainly on their fixed-line phone, compared with just 10 per cent of the rest of the population, according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
About a quarter of over-65s relied mainly on a mobile, compared to about two thirds of younger people.
The use of fixed-line phones has been in steady decline for several years.
A quarter of Australians are now mobile-only, compared to 12 per cent in 2009, ACMA says, while just seven per cent of people are home phone-only, compared with 13 per cent in 2009.
While older Australians remain far more likely to rely on a fixed-line telephone, evidence indicates some are embracing the mobile revolution.
Adoption of mobile phones has increased to 74 per cent, up from 65 per cent in 2009.
"We like our landlines," said Nan Bosler, president of the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association.
She said older people are often concerned about the price of mobile phones, but predicted more and more will embrace the technology.
"It will change," she said. "We have to move with the changes or we get left behind."
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