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New research shows there is a digital divide in Britain between pensioners and non-pensioners when it comes to bagging bargains online‚ and pensioners are missing out financially as a result.

Research from the Institute for Financial Studies commissioned by Age Concern and Help the Aged shows that non-pensioners increased their spending on communications technology at two and a half times the rate of pensioners in the past twelve years ⁽¹⁾

This comes on the back of new research from the Office for National Statistics revealing that more than 64% of people over 65 have never used the internet ⁽²⁾ .

Pensioners who aren’t online are missing out on hundreds of pounds in potential savings by shopping around and can also often miss out on the best interest rates for savings accounts ⁽³⁾. 

Nancy Johnson‚ Technology & Digital Inclusion Development Manager at Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ said:  "Missing out on the best savings rates or being able to compare prices online can cost older people dearly. The internet isn’t a luxury any more but a necessity to ensure you get the best information and the best deals."

"In addition to its commitment to provide broadband to all‚ Government needs to actively promote training courses that are specifically tailored to meet older people's needs.

"As part of our efforts to bridge the digital divide‚ Age Concern regularly runs IT events throughout the UK to encourage older people to get online and learn basic computer skills."

The next major event is the annual itea and biscuits week from September 21 to 25. itea and biscuits week‚ supported by BT‚ offers older people nationwide the opportunity to get involved in technology 'taster sessions' at local Age Concerns and other supporting organisations.

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Notes to Editors

1.  Institute for Fiscal Studies‚ 2009‚ The Expenditure of Older Households
2.  Office for National Statistics‚ Aug 28 2009‚ Internet Access‚ Households and Individuals
3.  Published in Applied Economics Letters by Dr John Ashton.   Dr Ashton found the average rate of return‚ based on a deposit of £5000‚ for an instant access account was 3.36 per cent‚ compared to 4.28 per cent for those using internet of telephone banking.

Age Concern England and Help the Aged have joined together to form a single charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.

Age Concern has worked in partnership with BT since 2005 to tackle social exclusion among older people by promoting digital inclusion. 

Technology and older people http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/digital_inclusion.asp

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