“Older people, technology and community.”

Leicestershire CareOnLine features in this report as one of a very few projects across the UK which use technology to address social isolation. The report says:

“There were very few examples of projects with a specific focus on using technology to address social isolation. However, we identified four examples of sustained good practice
– Digital Unite, CareOnLine, INtouch kirklees and Angus Gold (the latter three are all public sector projects …”

“These projects have each begun to apply technology creatively to enable older people to make connections, build social networks and actively engage in their communities. They have some other key features in common that further address the issues identified in the
previous section:
· Good design, including appropriate interfaces for the target group;
· Training focused on how older people want to use technology;
· Ongoing support from a trusted source;
· Low costs for participants.”

The report highlights one of the founding principles of the CareOnLine service philosophy, namely:
“Training and ongoing support help older people overcome some of their anxieties, build skills and develop their confidence in using technology... What we lack is the human element: the people and programmes to deliver the necessary training and support.”

In the recommendations for the voluntary and public sectors the report says:

“communications technologies can help prevent and alleviate social isolation and loneliness among older people. To realise the potential inherent in these technologies, we need to develop and support intermediaries who can empower older people by educating them about communications technology and the benefits it can bring. With the right support, older people will have the ability to become part of the solution, for example, by participating in peer-to-peer support schemes.”

“few Local authorities and primary care trusts have made the connection between access to
technology and the broader issue of helping older people stay healthy, happy, independent and engaged in society.”



Full report available at http://www.independentage.org.uk/publications