2 May 2007

The Internet has the capacity to empower older individuals rather than exclude them, if correctly applied, Age Concern has stated.

Although research from the organisation indicates that companies are less likely to employ older Britons due to their lack of IT expertise, their career opportunities can be significantly enhanced by the provision of adequate training, it said.

Some two-thirds of respondents to an Age Concern study - all of whom initially rejected the usage of the web - claimed that they would be willing to use it if given the right help and support.

James Purnell MP, the Department for Work and Pensions Minister with Responsibility for e-Government, commented: "It [the web] is an essential tool for communicating with the world.

"It can help to reduce social isolation - for example for older people with limited mobility or with family members abroad."

Age Concern recently published a questions and answers document designed for elderly individuals who may be unsure of what action to take in the face of the imminent switchover from terrestrial to digital television.

© Adfero Ltd

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