ITea and Biscuits to help older novices get online

With ITea and Biscuits Week fast approaching (Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd September) Age Scotland is calling on older people who are interested in discovering how technology could benefit them to get involved. 

Local ITea and Biscuits week partners will be running free taster events to help older people to find out how to keep in touch with family and friends more easily, hunt for bargains online, discover their ancestry and much, much more.

Now in its sixth year, ITea and Biscuits Week is an annual UK-wide campaign managed and delivered by Age UK and supported by Age Scotland. With only 15% of people aged 65 plus saying they have used the internet on handheld devices (such as smartphones, tablets, laptops)  and five million of the same age group having never used the Internet at all, the Week aims to introduce people in later life to a plethora of digital technology.  Technology can be invaluable, from finding bargains and managing money without leaving the house, keeping in contact with loved ones to catching up with news.

Age Scotland spokesperson Doug Anthoney said: "We run ITea and Biscuits Week to help older people discover and experiment with technology, and find out about what life-changing benefits it can offer. Technology can be very important in later life, allowing people to do things such as keep ahead of the latest news, discover a new hobby or stay in touch with loved ones, helping to combat loneliness and isolation.

"In addition to encouraging older people to attend events during the Week, we're calling on anyone who knows how to use technology to become a Digital Champion and pass on their tech know how to an older friend, family member or neighbour. There's no need to be an expert, just basic knowledge of the likes of the Internet, mobile phones, smartphones or tablets could really make a difference to someone's life."