Many Old, Many Less Intelligent and Many More Besides Struggle In This Digital World Where 'User Friendly' No Longer Applies.

 

Dear Mr ..., Technology is rapidly developing, and the way we access essential services, like getting a doctor’s appointment or ordering prescriptions, is increasingly done online.  So, I want to make sure that older people’s voices and experiences are heard by the Government.  Technology should make our lives easier. But in reality, some people struggle to access the things they need or miss out completely because of complex online systems – or because there is no offline alternative.  I really want to make sure that decision makers properly consider older people’s views on this. So, I’d like to know how you feel. Do you feel confident being online? Are there aspects of being online that you worry about? What, if anything, has helped you feel able to do more online? Please share your views with me My colleagues and I are writing a new report about older people’s experiences of trying to keep up with our increasingly digital world and the ongoing support that many of us want. We’ve already done some important work to highlight the need for offline alternatives. But so much more needs to be done. We have to make the Government understand that there is no one size fits all approach. Getting more people online means supporting them wherever they are with their digital skills. Failing to provide the support people want to do more online will mean a large part of the population will miss out on all that our new digital world has to offer and could be excluded from accessing vital services. Share your experience I really appreciate you adding your voice to the conversation and sharing your experiences with me. Thank you so much for your continued support, Jade Age UK Campaigns

P.S. I'm really sorry I can't offer personal advice via this email address, though you may find our guides to making the most of being online useful. Alternatively, your local Age UK may provide support to help you stay safe online.

Keep up to date Website: ageuk.org.uk/campaigns X/Twitter: @ageukcampaigns