IT Can Transform The Lives Of Older People

“It can transform the lives of older people, providing contacts, information, entertainment and access to specialised services. It can enable radical new models of health care and support for older people living at home, effecting savings that would amply repay the costs of installing an internet connection in every house, just like electricity, gas and water. But it requires profound changes in attitude – a belief in, and a belief by, older people that they can cope.” Tom Kirkwood - “The End of Age” The Reith Lectures, Radio 4, 2001.

Today the UK is as digitally divided as ever especially among older people. The over 65 age group still has the highest level of digital exclusion. Office of National Statistics 2010: “The majority (60 per cent) of those aged 65 and over had never used the Internet.”

Graham