Large majority of older web users say life’s better online

New research by leading charity Age UK reveals that an overwhelming majority (85 per cent) of older people aged 55 and over who use the Internet say their life has changed for the better by being online, with nearly half (45 per cent) saying they now can’t imagine their life without it.

The online survey, carried out by YouGov on behalf of the charity, revealed that a growing number of older people online are benefitting from all it has to offer, with 42 per cent using the web to save money and three in ten feeling it has brought them closer to family and friends.

The findings come as Age UK announced web user John Davies, who comes from Great Yarmouth, as its Digital Champion of the Year 2015. The awards aim to inspire the 4.8m older people who have never been online to give it a try by recognising the achievements of those who have taken that step. The winners are chosen by a panel of industry experts and past winners of the awards.

Mr Davies learned how to go online just over a year ago at the age of 58, having never touched a keyboard in his life. He was unemployed at the time and needed digital skills to apply for jobs, realising many employers now seek CVs and covering letters, or require people to apply online. He visited his local Internet café for support and in just one year, he learned all the skills he needed. He has now become a volunteer at the café, where he’s helping older people in his community to get online.

Mr Davies was chosen as the winner by a panel of industry experts and past winners of the awards, who have gone on to become digital ambassadors for Age UK. He said: “Having just got online only a year ago, I'm really honoured to have won this award. For most of my life I never had to use a computer, but I knew I had to start learning at some point and I'm glad that I now have digital skills that I can share with others. I hope to encourage more people to give it go as an Age UK Digital Champion."

Age UK Ambassador June Whitfield added: “I’m one of the growing numbers of older people who enjoys being online and so I’m delighted to join Age UK in celebrating the achievements of older web users. John is a fantastic Digital Champion who is already inspiring and supporting others to go online. Well done to John, and all those shortlisted, for your amazing achievements.”

John and the Age UK Digital Champion of the Year runners-up will become ambassadors for Age UK helping to inspire and support other older people across the nation to take that bold next step and get online.

The Age UK network helps thousands of people in later life gain skills and confidence to use the Internet. For more information about support to get online in your area call 0800 169 65 65 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/it