The aim is to encourage some of the 5.2 million people aged 65+ who have NEVER used the internet to give it a try for the first time
The call comes in the lead up to ‘ITea and Biscuits Week’ (16-22 September 2013), the Charity’s annual campaign to offer people in later life the chance to learn about all kinds of technology and find out about important benefits they could be missing out on.
The Week, now in its sixth year, also sees hundreds of local ‘taster sessions’ taking place across the country that will provide a basic knowledge of technology including computers, the internet and smartphones. The sessions will also show how technology can be used for all sorts of activities, from keeping in touch with loved ones, paying bills and finding bargains, through to watching and listening to TV and radio programmes – important things that can improve quality of life which many of us take for granted. As well as encouraging older people to attend events during the week, Age UK is calling on all those who already have some knowledge of technology to pass it on to an older person they know.
With only 15% of people 65+ saying they have used the internet on handheld devices (such as smartphones, tablets, laptops)[i] and 50% of the same age group stating they have never used the Internet at all on any device[ii], the Week represents a great opportunity for people to discover digital technology and the plethora of benefits that come with it, such as keeping in touch with friends and family and helping to reduce loneliness and isolation.
David Mortimer, Head of Digital Inclusion at Age UK, said: “Technology such as computers, the Internet, smart phones, e-readers and digital cameras can offer something for everyone. Age UK runs ITea and Biscuits Week to help older people discover and experiment with this technology, allowing people to find out what life-changing benefits it can offer.
“Over 5.2 million people aged 65+ have never been online[iii] and 24% of these feel they are “too old” to do so[iv]. However, we know from experience this doesn’t have to be the case and so we’re calling on anyone who knows how to use technology to pass on their knowledge to an older person they know. There’s no need to be a technology guru, just basic knowledge could really make a difference to someone’s life.”
For more information about the week visit www.ageuk.org.uk/itea-and-biscuits or call 0800 169 65 65.
ITea and Biscuits Week
ITea and Biscuits Week is a UK-wide campaign managed and delivered by Age UK in partnership with Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI.
Age UK runs ‘Connect with IT’, a campaign to help older people get online and experience all the benefits that being confident online can offer in later life. The campaign includes ITea and Biscuits Week, Internet Champion of the Year and IT Volunteering. The charity also works with local organisations across the country to deliver IT classes and support in the community as well as producing a range of literature about technology, including using it in care homes. In 2012 Age UK provided training, information and advice about technology to more than 200,000 people in later life.
Age UK
For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.
Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.
We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to well over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.
Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group (“we”). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).
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