Struggling with app-based parking and NHS appointment systems? Advocates push for offline alternatives
In the rapidly digitalising world, Age UK, a leading charity for older people in the UK, has raised concerns about the significant digital exclusion faced by a large portion of the elderly population. According to Age UK's research, one in five (2.4 million) people aged 65 and over use the internet less than once a month or not at all.
The charity's concerns have been underscored by a petition signed by 173,949 people, which was delivered to 10 Downing Street on July 29, 2025. The petition calls on the Government to guarantee offline options for older individuals who have limited or no internet use, such as in-person services and assisted digital access. As of late July 2025, the UK Government has not publicly issued a detailed response to this petition.
The digital divide is particularly pronounced among older Black, Asian, those living alone, women, and financially struggling older people. Age UK's findings show that the percentage of older people who are internet-inactive is higher among older Black people (32%), older people living alone (30%), older Asian people (26%), and older women or those struggling financially (22%).
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's charity director, expressed her concern about the potential risks to the health, wellbeing, finances, and inclusion of older people if the transition to digital is poorly planned and delivered. She emphasised the importance of the Government's commitment to a digitally inclusive approach in building public trust and ensuring the NHS promise to be equally accessible to all continues to hold true.
Abrahams also suggested that tech-based approaches could be developed that do not depend on an individual older person having to manipulate them themselves. She highlighted the need for the Government to guarantee affordable, easy offline ways to reach and use public services, provide more funding and support for people who want to learn to use the internet, support those who cannot use the internet safely and successfully, protect access to cash and banking, and require banks to maintain face-to-face services.
The Government's Digital Inclusion Action Plan aims to ensure no one is digitally excluded, regardless of age. However, Age UK's survey found that 31% (4 million) older people have poor IT skills, and 22% (2.9 million) lack trust in the internet, which prevents them from going online.
Age UK has reported cases of people facing difficulties in applying for a Blue Badge, a permit that provides access to special parking bays and pick-up points for disabled individuals or those with mobility issues. This underscores the potential impact of digital exclusion on older people's ability to perform everyday tasks such as scheduling NHS appointments and paying for parking.
As major companies contribute to the Digital Inclusion Action Plan by helping people to get online and donating pre-loved tech, Age UK's call for action remains crucial in ensuring that older people are not left behind in an increasingly digital environment.
- In the rapidly digitalizing world, Age UK has highlighted the significant digital exclusion faced by a large portion of the elderly population.
- One concern raised by Age UK is the limited or lack of internet use among older individuals, affecting over 2.4 million people aged 65 and over.
- The petition delivered to 10 Downing Street calls for offline options for older people with limited or no internet use.
- The digital divide is more evident among older Black, Asian, those living alone, women, and financially struggling older people.
- Age UK's findings show that the percentage of older people who are internet-inactive is higher among older Black people (32%), older people living alone (30%), older Asian people (26%), and older women or those struggling financially (22%).
- Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's charity director, has expressed concern about the potential risks to the health, wellbeing, finances, and inclusion of older people.
- The Government's commitment to a digitally inclusive approach is crucial in building public trust and ensuring the NHS promise of accessibility to all continues.
- Tech-based approaches should be developed that do not require older people to manipulate them independently.
- The Government needs to guarantee affordable, easy offline ways to reach and use public services.
- More funding and support should be provided for people who want to learn to use the internet.
- Protection is needed for access to cash and banking services.
- Banks should maintain face-to-face services for older individuals.
- The Government's Digital Inclusion Action Plan aims to ensure no one is digitally excluded, but Age UK's survey found that 31% of older people have poor IT skills.
- Lack of trust in the internet prevents 22% of older people from going online.
- Difficulties in applying for a Blue Badge highlight the potential impact of digital exclusion on older people's ability to perform everyday tasks.
- Scheduling NHS appointments and paying for parking are examples of everyday tasks affected by digital exclusion.
- Major companies are contributing to the Digital Inclusion Action Plan by helping people to get online and donating pre-loved tech.
- Age UK's call for action remains crucial in ensuring that older people are not left behind in a digital environment.
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