ONS statistics on Internet use

Commenting on statistics released by the ONS about older people using the Internet Helena Herklots, Services Director at Age UK, said:

'Twenty years on from its invention, the Internet is increasingly important to our everyday lives and there are more ways of accessing it than ever, including via a laptop or a mobile phone. The Web can help boost finances and tackle isolation by things like saving money on shopping and keeping in touch with loved ones more easily, so it's great that over four million older people have used the Internet [1].

'Of course there are still over 5.7 million people in later life who have never been online, which is why Age UK is running itea and biscuits week in September. The week gives older people the chance to learn how to use a range of technology like smart phones and computers through taster sessions run across the country.

'To help more people in later life get online, Age UK is also calling on people who know how to use technology to pass on their knowledge to older friends and family and become an Age UK Digital Champion.

'For more information about itea and biscuits week or getting online call 0800 169 65 65 or if you have access to a computer go to our itea and biscuits web page.'  

- ENDS -

Ref: SMDMGJHH

1. ONS, Internet Access Quarterly Update - 2011 Q2

Notes to editors

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. itea and biscuits week is part of Connect with IT, a comprehensive digital inclusion campaign managed by Age UK involving myfriends online week, Internet Champion of the Year competition and IT Volunteering. More than 200,000 people in later life have been helped to date.

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 five million people; commercial products and services to 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).

Media contact: Andrew Walker
Tel: 020 303 1433
Out of hours: 07071 243 243