Silver surfing needs boost

The government must invest in information and communications technology (ICT) literacy, Help the Aged has recommended. ICT holds a central role in education and learning in general and could act as a gateway to other learning opportunities.

This is one of eight recommendations in a report, Learning for Living, launched at a reception at the Long Gallery in Stormont at the end of May. Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Employment and Learning, was guest speaker.

Silo structures in government must be broken down and government must look at ways to deliver new, better, more accessible information services to older people.

A major, non-ageist, public campaign is needed to highlight the benefits of going on-line, Help the Aged adds.

Local and national government, along with the voluntary and private sectors, should consider how best to use existing resources to deliver digital inclusion.

Case law should be used to force accessibility up the agenda and government should mount a major campaign to highlight the business benefits of access to ICT.

Government should also set up a grants programme, administered by an impartial organisation, to encourage diversity of learning and inclusive projects in ICT learning for older people.

The BBC and other bodies should also take proactive steps to guard against all learning content being moved on-line and on to digital television.

Learning for Living is available from Help the Aged, Ascot House, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast BT2 7DB. Email: Duane.Farrell@helptheaged.org.uk.

For more information click on http://www.helptheaged.org.uk.