Our response to the latest ONS internet usage statistics
Jemma Mouland, our digital lead, responds to the latest internet use statistics for adults in the UK
If we are to prevent people in later life from being left behind in the digital revolution, we need to do more to help build people’s confidence and understand the benefit the internet could bring to their lives.
Jemma Mouland, Senior Programme Manager, Centre for Ageing Better commented:
“The latest internet usage statistics from ONS show a welcome increase in the number of people accessing the internet in later life. Households with one adult aged 65 years and over saw the largest growth in internet access, up 23 percentage points since 2012.
“However, these households still have the lowest proportion of internet access at 59%, and we know that people over the age of 65 make up large majority of people who are not online. Despite significant growth, many people do not have internet access, putting them at risk of missing out on online-only services, as well as discounts and deals only available via the web. People over the age of 65 who are online are still much less likely (48%) to do their shopping online compared to the national average (78%), look for health information (30% vs 54%) or access online banking (35% vs 69%).
“If we are to prevent people in later life from being left behind in the digital revolution, we need to do more to help build people’s confidence and understand the benefit the internet could bring to their lives. When moving operations online, it is crucial that companies, government, and services make sure people not online are not locked out of access to information and essential services such as banking, health information, shopping or paying bills.”
