What are the Needs?
Pensioners without internet access "face social exclusion
Older people who miss out on critical online services because they do not use the internet would get connected if they had back-up research reveals. Two-thirds of older people who initially rejected using the internet said they would change their behaviour if they had the right support, assistance and learning environment the Ofcom Consumer.
OLDER PEOPLE IN SCOTLAND RESULTS FROM THE SCOTTISH HOUSEHOLD SURVEY 1999-2002 EXECUTIVE SUMMARIES
The oldest age groups were the least likely to have had recent contact with friends, with 21 percent of men and women aged 75+ reporting no contact in the previous 2 weeks. Lifelong learning helps people to achieve other goals, such as taking an active part in civic life, leading a more sustainable lifestyle, and improving their health and wellbeing. With ICT becoming highly pervasive the social and economic potential and benefits offered are immense and include increased employability, better services, increased quality of life, financial savings, participation in local democracy, celebration of culture and contact with friends and family.
The NOP survey of 1,000 people found that one in five people over 65 spend more than 12 hours of every day on their own.
These people are more at risk of depression and ill-health caused by isolation and loneliness.
More than a quarter of people over 65 do not have a best friend, which is higher than any other age group. A third of people over 65 see their local supermarket as somewhere to socialise and get out of the house and one in five people eat their meals there rather than at home.
Computer Use Improves Elderly Mental Health
A recent study suggests that seniors who learn to use a computer have fewer depressive symptoms than their peers who aren't as technologically connected. Other factors may also be involved, but the study is an interesting first look at computer use by the elderly.
The ability to use computers while suffering from a disability or age related problem
Is one of the greatest assets that a disabled or elderly person can achieve it enables then to have contact with the outside world through the Internet this opens a whole new experience for them and they never feel alone or deprived of contacts, as the Internet develops its entertainment systems the elderly and disabled can take advantage of the many forms of enjoyment that would otherwise be restricted by their age or disability.