• Majority of UK drone owners are over 50 years old-
• 68% started droning to take photos and videos-

UPTAKE OF DRONES and flying gadgets is soaring in those aged 50 and over, signalling the rise of the ‘silver soarer’.

It is often assumed that stereotypically younger people tend to be the first to adopt new technologies, the majority of drone users in the UK (31%) are aged 55 and over, compared to just one in ten (10%) who are aged 18-24, according to research published in the Drone Usage Report 2017 by leading drones and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) retailer, DronesDirect.co.uk.

Those aged 45-54 are the next most likely to own a drone (28%) while just 12% of 25-34 yearolds own this type of technology. One in five (19%) 35-44 yearolds say they currently own a drone.

68% of those who had started droning in the past 12 months credited photography as the reason for taking up the hobby.

Drones are suited to outdoor activities and walks in scenic countryside and many drone owners have these types of hobbies in their spare time while not using a drone with 45% of drone owners confessing to preferring a hike or walk in their spare time when not using a drone, and almost 1 in 5 (18%) taking part in extreme sports.

Mark Kelly, marketing manager at DronesDirect.co.uk, said “It’s great to see such a variety of generations embracing new technology and taking to the skies. Droning is no longer a niche hobby enjoyed solely by early adopters, and is being enjoyed by a wider proportion of society.

“The older generations may have higher disposable incomes and sometimes have more free time which could be a contributing factor to the soaring popularity. A rise in ownership among the older demographics can also be attributed to the flying gadgets being gifted as Christmas and birthday presents in recent years.”

Research found that a large proportion of drone users are male (96%).

The largest UK drones retailer, DronesDirect.co.uk operates a ‘try before you buy’ service on the latest drones within its dedicated in-store Drone Zone.

DronesDirect.co.uk has previously pledged its commitment to helping ensure safe and responsible drone usage via its Customer Charter, and has called on other major retailers to follow its lead.