Isn't it time you logged on?
Touching so many areas of our lives, from news & entertainmet to shopping, business & finance, there seems to be no
escape from the internet these days writes Paul Carter.
Love it or loathe it, the world wide web is here to stay, so maybe it's time you cosidered joining the technological
revolution. Wether you are already familiar with the internet or are just looking to ease yourself in gently, there are plenty of opportunities across
London that are likely to suit you.
Internet use among older people is becoming increasingly popular, with sections of the press coining the term 'silver
surfers' to refer to the growing numbers of people over the age of 50 getting online.
In fact, recent researcch by the telecoms regulator Ofcom has shown that neary 30 per cent of the total time spent on the
internet is accounted for by people the age of 50.
The benefits of being online can be far-ranging - from keeping in touch with friends & family to increasing independence
through services such as online shopping & banking, & learning new skills or hobbies.
For those people who don't have access to a computer at home or the internet, there are now many resources &
organisations available to assist the Capital's older residents in getting online & joining the information society.
Support & access
Age Concern is one such orgaisation that is at the forefront of providing support & access to computers & the internet for
older people across London. The charity's London arm offers a range of computing services for older people of all levels of ability.
Hannah Conning, Communications & Campaigns Officer for Age Concern London, says that many of the charity's organisations in
the Capital provide computer traing, internet cafes & silver surfers clubs, most of which are free.
'Free or reduced-cost computer training courses are also available at local libraries but this differs from borough to borough,
as does training provided by local Age Concern,' says Hannah.
'For more information about computer training for older people in their local area, people shold contact their borough's
Age Concern.'
Free Computers
Age Concen London is working in partnership with Maxitech, a computer recycling &
refurbishment organisation to provide free computers to older people over 50 & organisations working with older people in the
Capital.
The self-sustraining project, which receives no public funding involves collecting computer from
campanies & organisations, data-wiping, refurbishing & installing a basic operating system.
Hannah expains: Maxitech is sourcing companies to donate redundant computers to the scheme, &
hundreds of computers have already been donated. Some 26 organisations have so far received 162 computers. These are being used across London in advice
surgeries, active age & ageing-well centres, sheltered housing schemes, silver surfers clubs & in internet cafes.
So far, almost 300 computers have already been donated to individual older people across the
Capital, & there are plans to double that number.
People wishing to regidter their interest in a free computer should call Age Concern London on
02078206785, with the only conditions being that they need to be over 50 & living in a London borough.
Library access
Aside from the services provided by Age Concern London, local libraries also offer a wealth of
computer services for Londoners of all ages.
Mike Clake is the Director of London Libraries Development Agency & he says that most
libraries provide a wide range of computer services across all 33 London boroughs, although this does vary according to the particular boroughs
concerned.
He says that the computer facilities provided by London's libraries are extremely popular
among older people.
'The number of older people is increasing & generally feedback about our services is
very good,' says Mike.
'People can get familiar with the technology without the pressure of a commercial
environment, & without having to sign up for a course of classes, they can test the water.'
In most boroughs the services provided are free, & in many libraries they offer specific
help for older people to get started, such as providing support & advice for those who don't have, or have never used, a
computer.
'People can come & try a couple of tester sessions to get used to using a computer; they
can attend organised events or they can use ad-hoc services as, & when, they need them,' says Mike
'We don't want to stereotype older people as being totally computer iliterate because
many people do use them at home, but for mamy older people the tester sessions, known as 'silver surfer sessions', can be quite helpful &
very interesting,' he adds.
To find out what facilities are available in a particular area, Mike suggests that older people
should enquire at their local library. If you already have acces to the internet, visit www.londonlibraries.org.uk for more information.
Home help
UCanDoIT (UCDIT) is a charity that provides one-to-one
computer & internet training to blind , deaf & physically disabled people in their own home.
UCDIT has lots of quaified freelance tutors who offer basic
IT training for anyone from complete novices to people with IT experience gained prior to their disability, of those who are looking for a
refresher or want training for specialist software.
Chris Garbett at UCDIT said: 'Technological development
is moving so fast that the digital 'divide' is widening. Howerver email remains an easy & effective means of staying in touch with
friends & family, while Skype - telephone calls over the internet - continues to offer free & effective computer-to-computer voice &
visual communication.'
For further information, call UCanDOIT on 02077307766 or
write to UCanDoIT, Highfield House, 4 Woodfall Street, London SW3 4DJ
Websites for silver surfers
For these already online, there are many specially
designed websites aimed specifically at the older sufer.
www.sliversufers.net is a directory-style site with links to more then 10.000 specialist sites for older people, all accessable
within four clicks.
www.seniority.co.uk is another site with links to websites & articles specifically of interest for those people aged over
50.

