Today Chief Executive Janet Morrison will be speaking at the Tackling the Social Exclusion of Older People Conference, presented by Capita. Her presentation will be on Empowering Older People through Digital Technology.
Social isolation and the feelings of loneliness it leads to are common problems for older people living in the UK today. Recent research reveals that a fear of being alone is a major source of anxiety as people grow older and that some older people go for days without seeing another person. However, communications technologies can help prevent and alleviate social isolation and loneliness. Despite this, nearly three in four over-65s have never used the internet.
'Too many older people are excluded from the benefits of online society,' says Janet Morrison. 'With the right support, older people will have the opportunity to use online services, offering them the chance to renew and develop social contacts and engage actively in their communities. The real and urgent need is for more appropriate services that reflect older people's interests and respond to their needs, including sustained, community-based training and support. This should lead to improved face-to-face contact and involvement in the community and a better quality of life.'
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