Fewer older people in the north use the internet

Computer keyboard

Over 65% of people aged 65 and over in Greater Manchester are currently not using the internet.

Research undertaken by Age UK comes as the charity hopes to encourage people who have never been online to attend a local ITea and Biscuit session.

The nearest session to Rochdale is at Age UK Oldham, 10 Church Lane, Oldham at 12pm on Tuesday 17 September. The sessions aim to encourage older people who don’t currently use computers, the internet, tablets and smartphones to discover the benefits of this technology. There are also sessions in Oldham on Wednesday 18 September at 10am and 4pm and on Friday 20 September also at 10am and 4pm.

The research has also shown a north and south divide in terms of people using the internet. Research found that those aged 65 and over in the south of England are more likely to be online compared to those in the north.

Commenting on the new findings, David Mortimer, Head of Digital Inclusion at Age UK, said: “It is concerning that in some parts of the country, more than twice as many older people are able to access the benefits of being online than in other areas, particularly as there appears to be a north/south divide around internet use amongst older people.

“The reasons behind this divide are wide and varied. We know for example that women aged 75 and over who live alone are the most likely group in society to have never been online. In addition, older people with lower economic wealth, those living alone and those in relatively worse health are far less likely to be online.

“We hope this data will highlight to the government, local authorities and businesses the work that needs to be done across the country to help older people to get online. More services from the private and public sectors are moving online in a bid to make significant cost savings. However if they want older people to use these services, they need to help them get online in the first place with tailored and on-going support.”

The internet can offer huge benefits to older people with recent research suggesting that those aged 65 and over online are nearly three times less likely to report being lonely than people who are offline. Being online also allows people to make savings and pursue hobbies.

The research also sends a clear message to the government, local authorities and businesses about internet use amongst older people, many of whom are increasingly focused on getting people to access their services online.

For further information on ITea and Biscuit sessions visit www.ageuk.org.uk/itea-and-biscuits or call 0800 169 20 81.