Home : Poverty & Exclusion : Technology :

Policy statements 
Briefings 
Consultation responses 
Reports 
Articles

Recent decades have seen enormous advances in the use and availability of technology. Increasingly, government resources and other services are being provided through technologies such as computers and the internet.

Help the Aged believes modern technology has great potential to deliver benefits to older people. However, at present, many older people feel left behind by the pace of change, and lack access to modern technology and the training and support needed to become familiar with it.

In this section you will find information relating to the provision of e-services, information and communication technology and the digital divide.

You will also find information on the switchover to digital broadcasting and the changes that Help the Aged wants to see to ensure that all older people can benefit from the potential of digital television.

You will also find information about the 'chip and PIN' project and the work that Help the Aged is undertaking to ensure that it is carried forward in a way that is sensitive to the needs of older people.

Policy statements

Assistive Technology (October 2007)

This policy statement looks at the various ways assistive technology can benefit older people and states Help the Aged's position and calls to Government.

The digital divide (July 2007)

This policy statement explores the massive potential benefits of technology to older people and barriers to access.

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Briefings

Digital switchover (September 2007)

Updated briefing on the issues surrounding older people and the plans for digital switchover.

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Television Access Services (June 2006)

Brief response by Help the Aged to OFCOM's consultation on television access services.

Memorandum on older people and voting (2004)

Memorandum on the problems faced by older people with voting, with a particular focus on the use of technology.

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Supporting vulnerable consumers with targeted assistance at and after Digital TV Switchover (April 2006)

A Paper by the Consumer Expert Group on Digital Switchover for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the BBC.

Supporting vulnerable consumers with targeted assistance at and after Digital TV Switchover (April 2006)

A report by the Consumer Expert Group to Government and Digital UK on the needs of older and disabled people in relation to digital TV.

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Articles

Chip and PIN - final joint letter (March 2005)

An article, sent to The Daily Telegraph, explaining the need for more alternatives and understanding for more vulnerable customers regarding the new chip and PIN credit and debit cards.

Policy update articles on digital TV (2004 and 2005)

Policy Update article on Department of Culture, Media and Sport plans for switchover to digital TV.

Chip and PIN articles (2004 and 2005)

Policy Update articles on Chip and PIN