Older People at Home

This project will be Pan Northern Ireland, but focusing on the SHSSB, including Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dungannon, Newry & Mourne.

The population of people aged 65 – 74 in the SHSSB  in 2003 was 22,410. It is estimated that only 14% of this age group access the Internet from home, therefore the target population is 19,273 people aged 65-74.

This sector has low Internet connectivity 14% as opposed to 43% of households in NI. This is even more prevalent in the more rural areas and in the SHSSB region.

Project Objectives:

• To increase the rate of Internet access amongst older people at home, currently only 14% of people aged 65+ access the Internet from home. There is a lower than average PC penetration amongst the over 65’s
 
• To facilitate training for older people on how to access and use the Internet & email through a tailored programme of educating, demonstrating and hand-holding

• To encourage life-long learning

• To raise awareness of the benefits of the Internet to older people through communicating lifestyle benefits

• To improve and enhance the quality of life for older people through the Internet

• To promote social inclusion and independent living

• To combat isolation and loneliness through either older people interacting in Internet sessions in a community setting or by engaging with digital technology in their own home

• To increase the take-up of broadband – currently 12% of those aged 65+ that do not access the Internet have a PC at home.