Social Care News

Elderly 'lose out' on web deals and up-to-date information

THE elderly are among those who could be missing out on health alert updates, as well as better deals on goods and services, due to a lack of internet access, a new report claims.

The report, by Consumer Focus Wales, warns that the one in three households in Wales lack internet access – with groups such as the elderly and less well off particularly affected.

It says they could be missing out on food safety alerts, weather warnings and even better deals to cut utility bills, as well as news of political decisions affecting the services they use, because of a lack of web access.

Consumer Focus Wales, formerly the Welsh Consumer Council, wants regulators to ensure vulnerable groups such as the elderly and poor are not forgotten and end up “institutionally locked out”. The Welsh Assembly Government said it was preparing a response to the report.

The report, which drew on 10 years of data for its report, Logged In Or Locked Out?, found 67% of households in Wales have a home internet connection.

But it concluded that there is a risk of a growing digital divide for the 750,000 adults in Wales who either cannot, or choose not to, use the internet.

Sarah Richards, senior policy advocate for Consumer Focus Wales, said personal access to the internet was becoming ever more important.

She said: “The growing availability of information and bargains means that those who either cannot, or choose not to, use the internet are in danger of being locked out from accessing the best deals, and the most up-to-date information.”

Ms Richards added: “The benefits to consumers of the internet are many, but we must ensure we do not end up in a country where people are institutionally locked out from information which may affect them – like weather warnings, finding out information during food scares or looking at what elected politicians are saying on our behalf.”