Older man using smartphoneResearch conducted by ‘granny annexe’ developer iHus has revealed the new hobbies and habits of generational Brits that are challenging traditional perceptions.

Its research shows that pensioners are slowly becoming the dominant demographic on platforms like Facebook, which was initially launched for students, while hobbies like bingo and knitting being discovered by youngsters.

TV programmes like The Great British Sewing Bee have led to a spike in young knitters, with one online shop reporting a 235 per-cent increase in sales during the pandemic.

Nearly two-thirds of Brits aged 65 or over now own and regularly use a smartphone, compared to just three per cent 10 years ago.Woman and older man on laptop

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The eye-opening trends are supported by a growing demand from Brits for multi-generational living, with an increasing number of families choosing to provide care for ageing parents either in their own home or in an adjacent granny annexe.

Research conducted by iHus shows more than one in five Brits now prefer to provide care themselves to an elderly relative, while just 16 per cent say they’ll place them in a care home.

The results are backed up by a recent report from Aviva, which shows that one in three UK households are now multi-generational, equating to nine million homes in total.

iHus founder Trevor Smeaton, who has helped hundreds of British families discover the delights of multi-generational living, is calling on Brits to think twice about generalising Brits through the use of generational labels.

He said: “While labels like baby boomer and millennial are often used in a light-hearted way, stereotypes associated with age can be potentially harmful and create lines of division in society that ought not to exist in 2022.

“Our research and own data shows that Brits are turning their back on silly stereotypes and discovering new hobbies and ways of living not typically associated with people of their age. It also shows that they want to be closer to their parents in later life.

“We’ve seen first-hand the joy created by bringing generations together, while promoting independent living, and a spirit of individuality that is no longer bound by old-fashioned perceptions.”

iHus claims to have hand-crafted new ‘granny annexes’ for over 280 families – drawing inspiration from seeing generations coming together whilst still enjoying independent living.

Each annexe is tailored to the individual’s needs and is skilfully designed to maximise space and natural light, and every one boasts a wealth of contemporary style and features.

Family outside a granny annexe
A family outside an iHus ‘granny annexe’.
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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Man-using-smartphone.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Man-using-smartphone-150x150.jpgLiane McIvorNewsroomReports & ResearchSector NewsBrits,care,granny annexe,HoME,iHus,perceptions,smartphoneResearch conducted by 'granny annexe' developer iHus has revealed the new hobbies and habits of generational Brits that are challenging traditional perceptions. Its research shows that pensioners are slowly becoming the dominant demographic on platforms like Facebook, which was initially launched for students, while hobbies like bingo and knitting being...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals