Listen: How older people are staying connected during lockdown

“Around half a million older people in Scotland do not have access to the internet. We all have a part to play in making sure they stay connected.”

There is no doubt that lockdown is having a significant impact on the lives of older people. Tens of thousands of older people have now been self-isolating for weeks, many of them living alone.

For many, technology has been invaluable to staying connected – from allowing them to see loved ones to providing new activities and digital pastimes.

Age Scotland’s Chief Executive, Brian Sloan, appeared on BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland show to discuss the many ways in which technology has been helping older people stay connected during current lockdown restrictions.

He reminded listeners that, while many are mastering technology to keep in touch, around half a million older people in Scotland do not have access to the internet. He highlighted that everyone has a part to play as friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are not facing this crisis alone.