Sticking with IT

Older people from a range of backgrounds and communities across the city were interviewed regarding this matter and their responses analysed to provide the key findings and recommendations in this report. 

Conclusions:

• Decreased social engagement, control and choice are fundamental concerns for older people as well as fears that technology will have a damaging effect on their privacy and information security. These concerns and fears need to be addressed on an ongoing basis.
• Manchester needs to find ways to engage and educate its ageing population regarding technology and internet usage and lift the barriers to accessing online healthcare services.
• It is concerning that those with the greatest health and care needs are potentially the least likely to benefit from health assistive technologies, therefore potentially worsening the health inequalities which already exist in Manchester.
• Face-to-face contact with the doctor is of particular importance to BAME residents. Consideration for these issues should be key for Manchester which has a higher than average proportion of older BAME residents.
• If the correct support and learning opportunities for IT use were available both at home and in the community the over 55 age group could become a digitally engaged and empowered population.