Struggling with app-based parking and healthcare appointments? Advocates push for offline alternatives
Headline: Age UK Urges UK Government to Ensure Digital Inclusion for Older Adults
The charity Age UK has highlighted the issue of digital exclusion among older people in the UK, with millions of older individuals rarely or never using the internet, potentially struggling with everyday tasks such as paying for parking and getting NHS appointments.
According to Age UK's latest survey, 12% of over-65s do not use a mobile phone, and 33% do not use a smartphone. The charity found that the percentage of older people who don't use the internet is higher among certain demographics, including older Black people (32%), older Asian people (26%), older women or those struggling financially (22%), and those living alone (30%).
Age UK is calling for a guarantee that all public services will offer and promote affordable, easy offline ways to reach and use them, more funding and support for people who want to get online, and protection of access to cash and banking services. The charity has handed a petition with 170,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street, asking the Government to ensure older people aren't left behind by 'digital first' policies.
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's charity director, expressed concern about older people being left out of essential services due to digital exclusion and the potential risks it poses to their health, wellbeing, finances, and inclusion. She believes that a poorly planned and delivered transition to digital by default could be ageist and pose real risks to millions of older people.
Abrahams emphasizes the importance of the Government's commitment to a digitally inclusive approach to build public trust and ensure the NHS promise of equal accessibility continues to hold true. She suggests that tech-based approaches may be developed that do not depend on an individual older person having to manipulate them themselves.
The UK Government can ensure that older people are not digitally excluded from public services by adopting a dual approach: supporting and encouraging digital inclusion for those who want to go online, while simultaneously guaranteeing easily accessible offline alternatives for those who cannot or choose not to use digital services. This includes maintaining telephone and face-to-face services, providing postal options, and ensuring all public service providers offer clear, user-friendly offline support pathways. The government must also ensure that these alternatives are well-publicized, affordable, and staffed by trained personnel to avoid any sense of discrimination or exclusion among older adults.
The Government's Digital Inclusion Action Plan aims to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age, including older people. Major companies are helping people get online and donating pre-loved tech to those who need it under this plan. The Government is clear that digital public services need to have alternative options like over-the-phone or in-person support for those who need it.
In summary, the UK Government should continue investing in digital skills training and infrastructure to assist those who want to use online services, guarantee that offline alternatives (phone, in-person, postal) remain fully operational and widely available, promote awareness that offline service options exist and are equally valid, train staff to provide respectful and effective support to non-digital users, monitor and evaluate digital inclusion policies regularly to ensure no older person is left behind, and provide clear guarantees that all public services, including the NHS and local councils, will offer offline alternatives. This balanced, inclusive approach aligns with current research and advocacy from Age UK and reflects ongoing challenges seen in local government digital service delivery.
- The banking industry should prioritize digital inclusion for older adults to enable them to manage day-to-day financial tasks.
- Pension providers must ensure that their platforms are easily accessible to older individuals, providing offline alternatives for those who prefer.
- Financial advisors should offer therapies and treatments for managing stress related to financial decisions, such as retirement planning or long-term investing.
- In the realm of workplace-wellness, addressing medical conditions such as chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health is crucial for maintaining employee productivity.
- Eye-health check-ups and hearing tests can help older adults maintain their communication abilities, thus benefiting their overall well-being and workplace performance.
- Mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and autoimmune disorders, can significantly affect an individual's ability to work and invest.
- Embracing a health-and-wellness-focused lifestyle, which might include diet changes, exercise, and stress management techniques, can improve overall health and increase productivity.
- The budding field of neurological disorders requires continuous research and investment to discover effective treatments and therapies for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Mens' health issues, such as prostate cancer and heart disease, necessitate awareness and prevention initiatives to promote early detection and treatment.
- The skincare industry should prioritize making products accessible and affordable for older adults who may have specific skincare needs due to aging.
- The integration of CBD products in therapies and treatments has shown promise in managing chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia among older adults.
- Aging also presents unique challenges for womens' health, including hormonal changes, menopause, and osteoporosis, necessitating continued research and support.
- Parenting resources and education, tailored to the needs of older parents, can help them navigate the challenges of raising children while dealing with health issues and financial uncertainties.
- Cardiovascular health is essential for older adults, and lifestyle changes, medication, and regular check-ups can help manage risks associated with heart disease and stroke.
- The industry must consider the digital implications of serving the needs of older adults, addressing cybersecurity concerns and ensuring that services are accessible and user-friendly.
- Medicare policies should accommodate varying health and financial needs of older adults, offering coverage for a wide range of medical conditions and treatments.
- Personal finance education and wealth management strategies are critical for older adults, helping them make informed decisions about their savings, investments, and retirement.
- Banking and insurance services must remain accessible to older adults, with strategies to combat the digital divide and ensure offline alternatives.
- Data and cloud computing solutions must prioritize transparency and security to protect older adults from fraud and identity theft.
- Aging individuals should have easy access to lifestyles that promote health, such as fashion and beauty trends that cater to mature skin and easy-to-use home and garden products.
- Businesses can support older adults by providing flexible work arrangements, on-the-job training, and resources for continued learning and personal growth.
- The education and self-development industry must address the specific needs of older learners, offering courses and resources for personal growth, relationship building, and evolving hobbies.
- Older adults should have access to resources for maintaining healthy relationships, including marriage counseling, support groups, and elder abuse prevention resources.
- Pet ownership can provide companionship for seniors and improve mental and physical health, but it may pose challenges related to cost and care.
- Travel opportunities and resources should cater to the unique needs and interests of older adults, offering accessible options for leisure and familial visits.
- The automotive industry should prioritize accessible cars and transportation solutions, ensuring that older adults remain mobile and independent.
- Digital and physical libraries can offer older adults resources for reading, learning, and increasing their engagement with the wider community.
- The entertainment industry can focus on creating content that appeals to the diverse interests and abilities of older adults, including books, movies, and TV shows.
- Older adults may benefit from social media platforms designed for seniors, fostering connections and community engagement.
- Legislative measures and initiatives should prioritize protecting older adults from cyber threats and scams, ensuring their safety and privacy in the digital age.
