Recognising the extreme disadvantage to older people with computer literacy, Age Concern England have been taking steps since 1998 to help over 50s, over 60s, over 70s and over 80s gain online computer skills.

In line with this commitment, they have set up over 150 IT drop-in facilities and training centres. They have also made outreach IT training day centres and residential homes across the country available. There is signposting to free local sampling sessions and a host of national campaigns to raise awareness with older people who are currently not online on how Internet access can only improve the quality of their lives and how by shopping online they will have access to many bargains and discounts.

Alarmingly, over 14 million people who are 50 plus and 60 plus have never used the Internet and as many as 44% representing 8.4 million people have no access to a computer, which means they are missing out considerably.

Many over 50s feel they have little need for a computer and are often put off by the purchase price and associated running costs, not to mention wary of learning new skills and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. However 55% of computer users over 50 extol the benefits of using the Internet with most firmly declaring that they could not now live without a computer and over two thirds of computer users over 50 feel the benefits far exceed the associated running costs.