This blog came about because of my volunteering work at the Harrogate library. The library has a program of teaching the elderly in the use of digital devices and to access the internet. The aim of the program to ensure that all member of the society appreciate the benefits of the internet and how best to use it for their own requirement. I am writing this page to highlight the importance of having full access to the internet by all member of the society. it’s benefit to the individual and the society as a whole are outlined in the brief below, with links to UK government site and also a link to the AGE UK site.
To persuade the elderly people to embrace the digital, four challenges must be over come;
- Access
- Skills
- Trust
- Motivation
Not everyone may not be affected by all the four challenges, but by at least one of them. When ask the reason for not being online, over 60% said they were not interested, and over a third are worried about privacy issues. UK government must develop a strategy to persuade people to go online and use the internet to use public services and also discover life online.
It is estimated that four out of ten aged over 65 do not have access to the internet at home. It is important to show the benefit of being online, to an ageing society. Being able to access family and friends, near and far, via email or social media will bring people and communities together and alleviate social isolation. Maintaining these relationships are healthy for an ageing society vulnerable to loneliness and social exclusion. It is estimated that one and ten people has visited their GP because they find themselves lonely. AGE UK states that loneliness is a huge issue that affect people all year round. It can become a major and expensive problem for the NHS. Over a million people over age 65 say that they feel lonely.
Getting older people online can save the government a massive £1.7 billion a year (Policy Exchange), and will improve some aspect of their health by being online and socially inclusive. Yet, at the same time it is also important to give the elderly a choice in accessing public services. A trip to the Post Office for real human contact is just as important as providing online access.
Research shows that at a cost of just £140 for every person currently online,the government could get entire population online by 2020. At a cost of £875 million to teach the 6.2 million people, the government would bring dramatic social and economic benefit to Britain. It is important that everyone in a society is able to use the internet and realise its benefits. The internet and digital services are an important part of the UK economy. In 2011 alone this sector contributed £58 billion to the UK economy.
Benefits to the People ( A UK Government Report)
Digital services are becoming the default option for accessing public services, information, entertainment and each other. In 2013, 36 million adults (73%) in Britain accessed the internet every day. Those who are offline and not capable of using the internet risk missing out on the benefits that the internet can offer.
For individuals, this can mean reduced costs of living. Households offline are missing out on savings of £560 per year from shopping and paying bills online, or being able to keep in touch with family members and friends.
The internet also provides improved job prospects as being digitally capable is critical in finding and securing a job.
Similarly, reducing digital exclusion can help address many wider equality, social, health and wellbeing issues such as isolation. 81% of people over 55 say being online makes them feel part of modern society and less lonely.
Age UK: Introducing Another World
UK Government Digital Inclusion Strategy.