Digital Inclusion Initiatives for Older People
The World Wide Web has 2 ½ billion users worldwide. This astonishing medium for the sharing of information has become a part of the fabric of society and an invaluable tool in our everyday lives. That is, for most of us.
However, according to the Government’s UK Digital Inclusion Charter, updated in 2014, around 11 million people in the UK lack basic digital skills and capabilities. The largest demographic in this group, over 53%, are aged over 65. That’s a lot of people who are missing out on the benefits of the digital age.
There are various reasons for this. Many older people do not own computer equipment or have internet access. This can be due to a feeling that they are too old to learn what they view as challenging skills, or because of the costs involved, or simply because of a lack of confidence. Others are dismissive of the benefits of being online.
However, research conducted by Digital Unite, an independent organisation dedicated to helping people understand and use computers, the internet and other digital technology, reveals that 86% of over 55s who are computer literate say it has improved their lives.
So what is being done to increase digital inclusivity?
UK Digital Inclusion Charter
The Government is moving things along. Their UK Digital Inclusion Charter outlines a commitment to reduce the number of people who are offline by 25% by 2016, with the long term goal of ensuring that, by 2020, everyone who is capable and willing to use the internet will be able to do so. This is being enacted in partnership with organisations including, BT and many more.
Get IT Together
BT run their Get IT Together campaign in association with the digital inclusion charity Citizens Online. This initiative provides older people with access to the internet, along with individually tailored training and advice.
Other Organisations
Housing associations, local government, the BBC, Digital Unite and Ofcom are amongst those organisations helping to include older people in the digital world. Additionally, there is a national network of more than 5,000 UK Online Centres based in community centres, libraries and social housing, supported by the Tinder Foundation, a digital technology oriented social enterprise.
The help is out there. It’s just a question of reaching out.
