Over-50s 'fear fraud' on internet

Specific training could help older people says Demos

A fear of fraud is the biggest factor stopping people aged over 50 from going online, a Post Office survey suggests.

Around 41% were worried about internet fraud and 31% said confusion over online jargon was a barrier. Over half preferred direct contact with someone.

A separate survey from think-tank Demos said government departments could save £400m from internet services if more people over 50 were online.

Demos recommended training and tailored IT support to get older users online.

The Post Office, whose findings were based on 942 adults over 50 polled by ICM, said 27% cited the technicalities of using the internet as a barrier.

Increasing divide

The survey by Demos, which was commissioned by the Post Office, said: "online mentoring sites could link younger people with the older people...This would be a safe means for greater interaction between generations in a user-friendly forum."

The 17 million households who are not yet internet-enabled will become increasingly excluded as more services are delivered online Gary Hockey Morley, head of marketing for the Post Office

In its report called Web, I'm 64: Ageing the internet and digital inclusion, the think-tank warned that neglecting older people's "digital disengagement" would consolidate "a major barrier between them and younger generations".

As well as training and tailored IT support, the report recommended age awareness training for IT sales staff to help older people when deciding to buy a computer and internet accessories.

In addition the report said: "Older people are more likely to suffer from disabilities or impairments, which make becoming digitally literate more challenging."

Demos looked at two groups of users - those it called "tomorrow's old" - denoting those between 55 and 65 and "today's old", those over 75.

It highlighted that the shift in demography meant there would be a significant increase in the proportion of older people in years to come.

Commenting on the report Help the Aged said: "Demos have highlighted that 'digital skills' are actually key 'life skills' in today's society".

Gary Hockey Morley, head of marketing for the Post Office, said: "The 17 million households who are not yet internet-enabled will become increasingly excluded as more services are delivered online."