Broadband still distant for many older Scots

The Scottish Parliament was asked to acknowledge the importance of rolling out broadband to older people in Scotland today.

 

 

 

A motion by Glasgow Labour MSP Anne McTaggart highlighted a recent Ofcom finding that only 34 per cent of over 55s in Scotland have home broadband, significantly lower than the UK average of 55 per cent. 

The motion also noted that broadband can play a crucial role in decreasing the isolation of older people and asked the Parliament to recognise that more needs to be done to increase broadband usage in Scotland. Ofcom's figures were published in its Communications Market Report in August 2011

A poll commissioned by Age Scotland in April 2011 revealed that around 80,000 older people in Scotland have no contact with friends and family, and the Charity believes that the continued roll-out of broadband services for older people can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Age Scotland Digital Communications Officer Claire Connachan, said:
"It is disheartening to see that the adoption of broadband in Scotland for over 55s is much lower than the UK average and we would urge the Scottish Government to work to help improve these figures. Older people in Scotland can greatly benefit from the use of broadband, giving them access to a wide range of online services and advice and the ability to easily communicate with friends and family.

"Overall, internet usage by the over 50s is increasing exponentially, and we do not want older people in Scotland to be left behind because of poor broadband uptake. High-speed internet can help decrease isolation and loneliness through online telecoms providers such as Skype and social networks like Facebook and forums, as well as saving older people time and money on a wide range of services, from shopping to banking. "

Age Scotland offers help and advice for older people getting online in Scotland. Click here.