Web Doesn't Have To Mean Woes For Older People, Says Help The Aged, UK

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Also Included In: IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 19 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

Responding to the Demos report, Web I'm 64: Ageing, the internet and digital inclusion, Anna Pearson, policy manager for Help the Aged, says:

'Debate around the digital divide is ongoing and this report is a valuable contribution. If current patterns continue unchanged, many older people are likely to miss out on the digital revolution.

'But the evidence shows that pensioners should not be written off as disinterested in the internet. Older people are a key group who, with some support, can really benefit from what digital technology has to offer.

'Demos have highlighted that 'digital skills' are actually key 'life skills' in today's society. Government and policymakers need to take action to provide older people with real opportunities to learn about the benefits of being online. Without action there is a real risk that the exclusion some older people face by not being online could significantly deepen.'

Help the Aged is the charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people in the UK and overseas from poverty, isolation, neglect and ageism. It campaigns to raise public awareness of the issues affecting older people and to bring about policy change. The Charity delivers a range of services: information and advice, home support and community living, including international development work. These are supported by its paid-for services and fundraising activities - which aim to increase funding in the future to respond to the growing unmet needs of disadvantaged older people. Help the Aged also funds vital research into the health issues and experiences of older people to improve the quality of later life. Help the Aged urgently needs donations and support to help it in the increasingly challenging fight to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect.

Help the Aged

• Additional
• References
• Citations