Media centre

Over 14 million people over 50 are digitally excluded.  These people have never used the internet‚ despite the fact that older people who do get online say it transforms their lives.*

Older people who want to join the digital revolution can take a voyage of discovery through a fully updated and expanded edition of Age Concern’s bestselling computer title‚ How to be a Silver Surfer (over 10‚000 copies sold to date).  Aimed at people over 50 who are apprehensive about getting online‚ How to be a Silver Surfer gives readers everything they need to know to get started on the internet.

Using clear illustrations and instructions‚ the step-by-step guide shows readers how to explore a new world through the internet and take advantage of the many benefits it offers.

The book covers everything a beginner needs to know‚ such as how to shop online for the best deals‚ carry out research and stay in touch with family and friends using email.  Readers will learn how to research their family tree‚ bank online and will be able to tell the difference between ‘instant messaging’ and ‘chatting online’.

Emma Aldridge‚ the book’s author and Age Concern’s national development manager for IT and older people‚ said: “The internet is a lifeline for many older people‚ as it allows them to keep in touch with family and friends‚ shop online for the best deals‚ or simply expand their knowledge – all at the click of a button. 

“While older people potentially stand to benefit most from the internet‚ they are less likely than younger age groups to get online.  We want to empower people over 50 so that no one is left out of the digital revolution.  The book is essential reading for anyone who wants to get the most out of the internet.”

Zeila Flemming‚ 74‚ began her journey into the world of IT with a seven-week computer course with her local Age Concern in Bradford.  Once a self-confessed ‘technophobe’‚ Zeila regularly uses her computer to surf the net‚ write letters and send photos to family and friends. 

Zeila said: “The internet has opened my eyes to a whole new world.  A lot of older people don’t use computers because they feel intimidated by technology‚ but when you’re shown how to use it at your own pace‚ you soon discover there’s nothing to it.  It opens your eyes to so many things.”

Notes for editors

• If you would like to review How to be a Silver Surfer‚ arrange an interview with the author‚ receive cover images or discuss Age Concern’s digital inclusion agenda in more detail‚ please contact Jonty Alone on 020 8765 7516 or email: jonty.alone@ace.org.uk
• How to be a Silver Surfer (ISBN 0862424216) is available from Age Concern Books priced £7.99.  To get your copy‚ call 0870 44 22 120 or visit www.ageconcern.org.uk/bookshop.
• Age Concern provides over 150 IT drop-in centres where people over 50 can learn about the benefits of IT and take part in ‘taster sessions’.
• Next month‚ Age Concern will launch a major nationwide initiative to tackle the problem of digital exclusion in later life.  Through its Digital Inclusion Network‚ the charity hopes to join forces with local and national Government and local businesses to make IT more accessible to people over 50.  The charity wants to recruit over 1.8 million older people to take part in special IT training sessions - designed to empower older people to get the most out of computers and the internet - across the UK.
• Age Concern England offers an ISDN facility for broadcasters.
• For media interviews/case studies‚ please contact the Age Concern Media Office.
• For more information about Age Concern England‚ visit http://www.ace.org.uk/.

*The study was commissioned by Age Concern England and Intel and conducted by ACRS‚ the research division of Age Concern Enterprises Ltd.  In total‚ 1‚000 adults of all ages and 1‚000 people aged 55-69 were questioned throughout Great Britain.  More than half of the over 50s interviewed who are already using the internet said it had improved their lives.  Over 40% said they would struggle to live without a computer‚ as it had become an indispensable part of their life.  The research further revealed that need‚ relevance and cost were the greatest barriers to the over 50s joining the digital revolution.  More than half of Britain’s over 50s have no access to a computer at home‚ work or elsewhere.

For general enquiries please contact us.

Journalists contact:

Age Concern England
Zena Ambrose/Jonty Alone
Telephone:
020 8765 7513/7516
Out of hours:
07071 243 243