Offline and Overlooked

Public services are rapidly ‘going digital’. If like 2.3 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.

Age UK is committed to helping more older people make the most of the digital world through programmes that increase their skills. 

But there will always be people who don’t feel confident – or simply don’t want – to use key services like paying their council tax, or booking NHS appointments online. And it’s not right that they’re not being given another option.