2 September 2004

MEN CATCH UP ON WOMEN'S TALK

New research dispels the theory that only women 'love to talk'
Over 50s least likely to screen their calls

For information on the Saga's Telephone Service call 0800 559 3230
or visit the website on saga.co.uk

Men talk while women text, according to new research from Saga Telephone Service, dispelling the myth that women gossip more than men and are less technically minded!   Over the course of a year, men make more personal calls than women with a yearly average of 1,632 against a female's call rate of 1,372 - over 19% more.  

The research found that men make an average of 4.5 personal calls a day and 3.9 text messages while women average 3.8 personal calls per day and 4.4 text messages.

With the explosion in communications technology, we are making more calls and texts than ever and it is hardly surprising that call screening is no longer just the preserve of the boss's P.A. but a practise that we are all adopting.  In fact over a quarter (26%) of us routinely screen calls with younger people (aged 16-24) being the worst offenders (37%).  To avoid getting a recorded message, try ringing your parents or grandparents for a chat as only 19% of the over 50s admit to routinely screening calls.

The research also highlights males' impatience with recorded messages -  41% hang up straight away, while 50% of women leave a message and wait for a call back.

Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive, Saga, comments:  "There has definitely been a role reversal in that men are just as happy to chat on the phone as women."

Another interesting development is that, on average, the GB population now makes slightly more text messages than personal calls a day -  an average of 4.2 against 4.1.  Women lead the mobile revolution making on average 1,621 texts a year - 179 more than personal calls against 1,442 texts made by men.  

Goodsell continued:  "Most of us now have three or more different contact numbers including a landline, internet connection and mobile number, so it is worth shopping around to find a telephone provider which matches your demands without compromising on quality of service."

With Saga Telephone Service there are no gimmicks - just low priced calls.   To switch to the Saga Telephone Service, it takes just one phone call to a personal adviser (we do not use automated telephone menus) and the switch is complete.

Saga Telephone Service is available to people aged 50 and over.  For enquiries or information on the Saga's Telephone Service call 0800 559 3230
or visit the website on saga.co.uk

                                   Ends

For Press Information contact:
Barbara Boughton
Press Officer
Saga Services Ltd
Tel: 01303 771979
Email: Barbara.boughton@saga.co.uk

Editor's Notes:
The research was carried out by BMRB (British Marketing Research Bureau) on 23 - 25 July 2004 on a sample of 2,003 adults aged 16 or over.