In my view Let’s make sure that technology is age-friendly
confidence in their ability to use technology and are afraid that they will do something wrong or break it.
They can often fear what others may think of them as they build up the courage to use social media platforms, like Instagram or Twitter, for the first time.
Evidence shows that you are more likely to embrace the internet if your friends and family who already do so, and they are able to help you learn.
But what about those who don’t have this support?
Isolating during the pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on older people.
A Public Health Profile produced by Age UK estimates there are over 3.300 people in Calderdale, aged over 65, who suffer from loneliness.
Digital connectivity can be a lifeline for these people helping them to interact with other people and keep connected to their communities.
Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees is a local charity that provides support and care for older people.
Our aim is to help more older people love later life.
During the last 18 months we have successfully secured grants from Age UK and The Lottery to purchase devices (and importantly access to the internet through mobile data packages), for around 60 Calderdale residents.
We found that 50 per cent participants were aged over 80 and 20 per cent were over 90.
Coming from a background of bringing innovation into health and care settings, I have experienced first-hand the challenges working with professionals.
Never for a moment did I anticipated the outstanding results we achieved in under a year!
67 per cent of participants say they now use the internet to connect to family and friends at least once a week; 90 per cent said the internet has helped them to feel more part of their local community and a staggering 97 per cent said the internet has helped them to manage their physical and mental wellbeing.
I take my hat off to all the staff involved in this project and to the people who signed up and gave it a go!
One gentleman told me that his grandkids were really interested to see what device he had got and they visited him specially to see it. He said it made him feel cool!
As the digital evolution continues let’s be a voice for older people, let’s flip the thinking - Older people first, digital second.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t embrace technology, quite the opposite, but let’s make it age-friendly and help more older people benefit.