It's increasingly important for older people to have the digital access, skills, and confidence they need to live an included and independent life, enabling them to keep in contact with loved ones, make savings by shopping online and pursue hobbies. A number of reports from organizations such as Age UK have highlighted how social isolation and loneliness can negatively impact a person's health. If there is one piece of advice that you'd like to see us take on board at Age UK, it would be that we need to do more to help older people be more confident when they have problems with their digital skills.
We need to do more to help older people be more confident when they have problems with their digital skills.
Throughout November, we want to ensure older people are aware of the digital skills they need to keep their own lives as independent and fulfilling as possible, no matter how busy or advanced their technology skills. We want them to be able to access tech skills education, training, and tools. We want them to be part of a growing tech community and have a place in the UK's digital society.
Taking Action
We've put together a shortlist of key points to help you:
- Talk to a friend about how technology has changed the way you live.
- Ask family, friends or colleagues about their tech skills.
- Check whether your local library or leisure center offers tech education.
- Check the local website for changes or help with computing skills.
- Look at online forums, to find a group of like-minded people.
- Don't be shy. Just ask for help.
- Talk to your local library or leisure center about offering a tech skills course or helping older people access technology.
Brushing up
Not all places have the technical skills to provide technology training, or the skills to run these courses. That's where we come in. A personalised service tailored to your needs. Send us an inquiry with what you are struggling with and we will help you through it.