Age UK has launched a new campaign urging the Government to end the discrimination against people for not being online.
Public services are rapidly 'going digital'. If like 2.7 million older people in the UK you aren't an internet user, it’s becoming harder – and in some cases impossible – to access day-to-day necessities such as banking, making NHS appointments or even just paying for car parking.
But it's not just those who aren't online. Plenty of people would just prefer to handle their finances, their bills or their health matters in person or over the phone. No one should feel forced to perform important tasks online if they don't feel comfortable.
Older people who aren't or choose not to be online are being locked out of essential services. It's discrimination - plain and simple. And it poses real risks to people's health, wellbeing, finances and ability to participate fully in our society.
The NPC is supporting the petition and would urge you to sign it and to encourage your friends and family to sign it too
If you or someone you know would like to sign the petition offline you can download a paper copy or request that we send one out. Email campaigns@ageuk.org.uk or write to Freepost Age UK campaigns (no stamp required).
Download the paper petition
Key stats
2.7 million people aged 65 and over do not use the internet – that’s around 1 in 5 of this age group.
69% of people aged 75 and over are not able to complete 8 of the most fundamental tasks required to use the internet safely and successfully.
Around 3.4 million people aged 65 and over in the UK don’t use a smartphone. 1.6 million people of the same age don’t use any sort of mobile phone.
More information can be found at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/campaigning/offline-overlooked/