A more welcoming high street for shoppers

SIR – Your article (November 21) blaming a rise in “hi-tech payment methods” for driving older customers away from shops reinforces the idea that people in later life struggle to keep up with technological advances. Some older people may want to speak to a member of staff while out shopping, whereas others are happy to use automated checkouts.

However, the lack of age-friendly environments can affect whether some older people get out and about. Campaigns such as Take a Seat in Manchester and Nottingham, funded by city councils, are working to reverse this trend. In Nottingham, more than 300 shops and businesses have signed up. When an older person sees the “age-friendly” sticker displayed, they can be sure of a warm welcome and the offer of a seat.

If rolled out nationally, this campaign has the potential to make a huge difference to people’s lives. More people will feel able to leave their homes, socialise and interact with others. Businesses, meanwhile, will find that the arrangement brings more people out on to the high streets and into their shops.

Jessica Entwistle

Age-friendly Community Network Manager, Centre for Ageing Better London EC1

SIR – Time and time again I have gone into a store mid-week, only to be driven out by the music, which has obviously been chosen by and for the younger generation.

My reaction is to return home and order my things from Amazon. At least their website is silent.

Harry Leeming

Morecambe, Lancashire