Internet training combats pensioner loneliness

Loneliness as a pensioner is one of the sad realities of retirement for many, but a think tank believes Internet training could be the answer to combat this phenomenon.

Policy Exchange is calling for every pensioner over the age of 65 to receive free basic digital skills training.

This would cover how to send emails and use social networking sites, among other things.

The aim of such training would be to help older people stay connected with friends and family.

As things stand, 40% of the over 65s in the UK do not have access to the Internet at home and over 5 million have never used the Internet.

At an estimated cost of £875m to reach 6.2 million pensioners, or £141 per person, the benefits of any digital skills training in combatting loneliness is bound to face tough scrutiny.

With a rapidly growing elderly population, Policy Exchange is forecasting a “major challenge” in the future with the risk of isolation as families move further afield searching for work.

According to Eddie Copeland, author of the report:

“In an increasingly isolated and fast-moving world it is vital that everyone in society is able to use the internet and understand its benefits.

“From alleviating social isolation, bringing together communities, paying bills and now accessing public services online can improve lives.

“Being able to simply write an email or access a social networking site could provide older people with a way to stay connected to their friends and families, who may live hundreds of miles away.”

We agree that basic digital skills training could have benefits in terms of combatting pensioner loneliness, along with other benefits such as access to home shopping services.

But there is also the risk that the Internet would replace real life interaction with friends and families, resulting in greater social isolation. Families for example might conclude it is easier to communicate with elderly parents regularly via Skype or Facebook than make the effort to travel to visit them.

As with all things, the Internet has the ability to supplement interactions and is best placed to do this rather than replace them entirely.

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