Intel and Age Concern today announced an initiative aimed at raising awareness of digital exclusion amongst older people in the UK. Part of its wider digital inclusion strategy, Intel will be working with Age Concern in a bid to urge and assist industry and the government to develop solutions to help older people become more socially included and more employable through improved computing skills.
Research commissioned to kick start the programme revealed the true extent of the digital divide amongst older people, with nearly half of Britain's over 50s not having access to a computer at home, at work or elsewhere.
The research further highlighted that need and cost were the greatest barriers to becoming a part of the digital revolution whilst there were also concerns on the employment prospects for those without IT skills. At a time when many of Britain's seniors are working for longer, a massive 75% of older people felt that potential employers would prefer to hire people with existing IT skills rather than have to train them.
"Raising the PC literacy of a population provides every person with the opportunity to participate in the global economy. Britain's leaders can address the overall competitiveness of the British economy by developing older people's computer skills." said Intel Corporation Chairman Craig Barrett.
Age Concern's Director General Gordon Lishman added: "At a time when this age group accounts for one third of the population and growing, these numbers have huge implications for social inclusion and welfare, not to mention employability and the economy as a whole.
"Just because people reach a certain age does not mean that they should be written off. Through our work with Britain's seniors we know that many of them still have a huge amount to offer to society and the economy. However, we are increasingly worried that some older people will be left behind. There is no doubt that computer skills provide the key to a more enriched later life: allowing increased independence, mental stimulation, and access to information and services, not to mention potential savings of £200-£300 per year for the average internet shopper."
Within the framework of this initiative, Intel will be working with Age Concern and others - including retailers, manufacturers and service providers - to break down the barriers that cause digital exclusion amongst Britain's seniors. The key focus will be to reassure and make technology relevant to them, proving the benefits to be gained from engaging in the digital revolution.
