Help people over 50 get online Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 01:00

One in three people over 50 don't use the internet, putting them at greater risk of social, financial and political exclusion. In partnership with GMTV, NIACE is calling on all UK families to encourage everyone over 50 to improve their computer skills and learn how to use the internet.

Dr Hilary Jones has been a practicing GP for nearly 27 years and is GMTV's health and medical advisor. However, he has never felt comfortable using computers and often asks others to do computer-based tasks for him. He has a general fear and mistrust for computers.

Dr Hilary Jones, said:

"Not feeling comfortable using computers means I am dependent on my secretary to decipher my handwriting, because I cannot use a computer. It means spending more time looking at the screen than seeing patients - which I hate and it means having to go down the shops rather than buy things online."

"I am hoping someone, for once, will assume I have no knowledge whatsoever when they teach me and refrain from using technical jargon - which will quickly make my eyes glaze over. I am actually looking forward to learning some shortcuts in filing copy for articles and getting reliable information from the web."

NIACE recommends the following five steps to encourage people to get on-line:

1. Talk to someone you trust who can help you - a friend, someone in your family or a colleague at work who is confident with computers. It could be someone your own age who can help you, but lots of people learn best from their children or even grandchildren.
2. Join a beginners' adult education class - these come in all flavours; some have qualifications but many are just to get you started. Look out for classes like: IT Beginner or Computers for the Clueless.
3. Once you've logged on - Learn to use the internet step by step with easy online tutorials, try Digital Unite Learning Zone and My Guide
4. Visit your local UK online centre where the staff and volunteers will help you get started. There are more than 6,000 UK online centres - on high streets, in libraries, internet cafés, and community centres. Some are even mobile, on buses. You can also call free on 0800 77 1234. 
5. Just have a go! - after all the only way you can do real damage to a computer is to drop it on the floor, so why not give it a try go and see what happens.

Stewart Purvis, Partner, Content and Standards, Ofcom, said:

"The recent Digital Britain Interim Report stated that ‘We will only reap the benefits of becoming a digital nation if we ensure that everyone has access to the right education, skills and digital media literacy programmes to ensure that being digital is within the grasp of everyone.' "

"We all need to help people increase their media literacy skills and avoid the risk of being excluded socially, politically and financially. It is so important that people have the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence to benefit from the many opportunities available in this digital world. That's why we are delighted to be working with NIACE and GMTV to promote media literacy."

James Lee, Careers Coach at Careers Advice, said:

"The Careers Advice Service is available to discuss the options available to you through their team of advisers. They will discuss what you want to learn about and why, and help you find appropriate courses and training centres in your area."

"They can answer any questions you may have, find the right type of course for you and help you get started discovering the internet, surfing the web and learning to use email. The Careers Advice Service is available on 0800 100 900, 8.00am - 10.00pm seven days a week, or online."

Rachel Thomson, NIACE Lead Officer for Media Literacy, said:

"Every day more and more people are increasingly relying on new technologies. Millions of people have developed the skills to make media on-line - emails, websites, videos, blogs, podcasts and more. Too often, however, assumptions are made about people's ability to join in the virtual world. Many older people, in particular, find themselves left out and struggle to adapt in a society where more and more information is available through computers."

"We need your help to ensure that those who are on the wrong side of the digital divide do not become yet further disadvantaged. Computers don't bite and getting on-line is easier - and more useful - than people might think. Your encouragement could make all the difference."