Older People and Technology: Opportunities and Issues

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Older People and TechnologyOpportunities and
Issues

• Nancy Johnston
• Technology Communications Development Manager
• socitm London Branch Meeting
• House of Lords
• 7 May 2009

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Overview

• The current landscape
• Why digital inclusion?
• The opportunities
• Issues and barriers to engaging effectively
• What is Age Concern and Help the Aged doing?

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Current UK Landscape

• Over 20 million people in the UK are aged 50
• 14 million older people are digitally excluded
• 8.4 million people (42) over the age of 50 are
  likely to remain unable to directly benefit
  computer and internet access
• 42 of older people aged 65 are estimated to
  have a disability
• 2.4 million live below the poverty line
• 2040 5 million more 65 than in 2000

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Why digital inclusion?

• Better access to government
• Agencies and benefits
• Citizenship activities
• New ways of keeping in touch
• Globalising world
• Increased social networks
• Greater choice about life long learning
  activities
• Employability and interests
• Information and news
• Alternative/ convenient route for pricing and
  shopping
• Productive ageing and improved well-being

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The Opportunities

• Digital Switchover and interactive television
• Return path in the Digital Set Top Boxes enable
  interactive communications and service delivery
• Technology as an added channel for service
  delivery (computer, mobile phones, television)

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Examples of Initiatives

• STREAM internet protocol television service in
  Hull
• ConnectMK and DigitalMK
• Innovative partnerships between local authority
  and industry - WiMax Broadband
• Low cost PC loan and internet access
• Essex Unite- Information portal for older people
  living in supported housing

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Issues and Barriers

• Lack of awareness and relevance of technology
• Need to create simple interface and effective
  bundles delivered in a safe, supported and
  trustworthy environment
• Engagement opportunities are limited
• Jargon barriers need to say what it does
• Lifelong learning to keep skills and knowledge
  relevant
• Role of children (as advocates and introducers)
• Accessibility, inclusive design

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Issues and Barriers

• Awareness raising, initial training and ongoing
  support is imperative to effectively engage older
  people with ICT.

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Silver Surfer Campaigns
40,000 older people reached since 2003
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Digital Inclusion Outreach Programmes
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www.ageconcern.org.uk/community
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The Age Concern Digital Inclusion Network

• Membership based programme providing support for
  local projects
• UK-wide focus for initiatives for older people
• Resources
• Sharing of good practice
• Funding opportunities
• Local, regional and national events

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Questions?

• nancy,johnston_at_ace.org.uk
• 0208 765 2612