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26 August 2008

Help the Aged response to ONS statistics on internet use

Responding to new statistics released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which show no increase in older people using the internet, David Sinclair, Head of Policy for Help the Aged, says:

'Absolutely no progress has been made in getting older people online and the spotlight is now on Government and the industry to get switched on. Nearly 7 million (70 per cent) of people of 65 have never used the internet.  

'Exclusion from modern society is increasingly less about being able to get to the library and more about being able to access the rivers of information flowing in and out of British homes each day. If you cannot access these rivers you cannot take part.

'This is not only about getting cheap car insurance online. It is about equality in the marketplace. We know internet access can mean a difference of hundreds of pounds over the year from deals on utility bills, food to all other manner of other goods. In a time when costs are rising should we not allow the poorest among us a chance to keep afloat?

'The Government must make older people a central aspect of the digital equalities strategy expected this autumn. When questioned by Help the Aged, a fifth (21 per cent) of older people said they wanted to learn more about the internet and new technology.  

'It is time for industry to deliver more accessible and usable technologies, which will allow them access to a huge market. The Government needs to invest in education and access to hardware, or see a technological divide enforcing these economic inequalities.'

Notes to Editors:

1. ICM interviewed a random sample of 1051 people aged 65 and over by telephone between 2nd - 17th April 2008. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk

2. 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.

3. 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. Visit www.helptheaged.org.uk  or call 0207 239 1982.