Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, the leading charity for older people in the region, has called for more support and guidance for older people who are either not online at all or unable to use the internet safely and successfully.

The charity’s appeal comes after a new analysis by Age UK revealed that almost 6 million people (5.8 million) aged 65 and over in the UK are in this situation, which puts them at a disadvantage in many areas of life, including accessing public services, staying in touch with family and friends, shopping, banking, and learning.

According to the just released report, 2.6 million older people (10 per cent of the over-65 population) are not online at all, while 3.2 million (12 per cent) are online but have low digital skills, meaning they struggle with tasks such as filling in online forms, creating passwords, or spotting scams.

The analysis also found that older people who are offline or have low digital skills are more likely to be living in poverty, have a long-term health condition or disability, or be aged 80 and over.

Helen Hunter, CEO of Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, said: “The Internet can be a lifeline for older people, but too many are missing out on the benefits and opportunities it offers. We need to ensure that older people who want to get online can do so safely and confidently, and that those who prefer not to or can’t are not left behind or excluded.”

She added: “We have a drop-in facility where anyone over the age of 50 can access our digital training. There are also a limited number of iPads and other tablets to loan to the most digitally excluded.

“At a wider level, the Government, local authorities, businesses, and voluntary organisations need to work together to provide more support and guidance for older, and other digitally excluded, people who are offline or have low digital skills. This could include providing affordable devices and internet access, offering tailored training and advice, and ensuring that alternative ways of accessing services and information are always available.”

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington provides a range of services and activities to help older people in the region stay connected, informed, and independent. These include digital inclusion sessions, telephone befriending, information and advice, home support, and social groups. 

For more information, please visit Age UK North Yorkshire & Darlington’s website or call 01325 362832.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Marie Carter-Robb at marie@mccommunications.co.uk or call 07760 477694.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington is a nationally registered charity and one of 150 locally based Age UK organisations providing a variety of services to older people aged 50 plus.

Whether it’s through recreational activities, expert information and advice, befriending services or just being somewhere to turn when things get too tough to cope with on your own, Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington provides crucial companionship, advice and support to thousands of people every year.

Community focused, Age UK is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people in the community through befriending, outreach and social activities as well as providing an invaluable range of social and wellbeing services, including:

• A cafe and restaurant.
• A day centre.
• Exercise & physical activity
• Meals at home
• IT Training courses
• Social activities