Age Concern’s Silver Surfer Week, 10-14 September 2007

Younger IT users are the “taste makers” responsible for swelling the ranks of silver surfers, evidence from Age Concern suggests.

The desire to keep in touch with the grandchildren is the catalyst spurring many older people on to learn skills for new technology. And thousands more are set to join them during Silver Surfer Week (10-14 September).

Ofcom recently revealed that over-65s now spend more time on the web than those aged between 18 and 24 .

According to new Age Concern research , more than half of grandparents claim that new technology enables them to keep in better touch with their grandchildren than they were with their own grandparents.

Two out of every three grandparents “talk” to their grandchildren by email, text or mobiles. And three out of every five grandparents, whose grandchildren live overseas, are in online contact with them.  Age Concern groups across the country have also reported a surge in interest in digital photography and Photoshop amongst grandparents who are keen to make the most of family snaps.

The majority (59%) of older people who took part in last year’s Silver Surfer Week said that they already had access to a PC at home – not so much “try before you buy” as “buy before you try”.

Silver Surfer Week seeks to strengthen the bond between the generations by teaching thousands of grandparents new technology skills so they can meet their grandchildren on home turf – just in time for Grandparent’s Day on September 22.

During Silver Surfer Week, absolute beginners, computer sceptics and stalwart PC enthusiasts are all welcome to attend free byte-sized computer sessions at their participating Age Concerns and other training venues across the country. Age Concern’s computer trainers specialise in working with over 65s and will let learners take things at their own pace.

Gordon Lishman, Age Concern’s Director General said: “Most grandparents no longer live in the same town or city as their grandchildren. The desire to bond with their grandchildren is one of the key reasons why the over 65s are giving IT a try. Older people who want to join the fun should put their nerves to one side and join a Silver Surfer Week event.” 

For information on Silver Surfers Week sessions telephone 0800 00 99 66, or visit http://www.silversurfer.org.uk/, email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ends

Notes for Editors -

• Radio producers: Age Concern England has spokespeople available for interview and offers an ISDN facility. Please contact Miranda Yates, tel 020 8765 7350.  
• The Department for Work and Pensions Corporate IT team will be taking part in Silver Surfers Week, sharing their IT expertise at the community events. The DWP's involvement is part of their Community 5000 initiative, providing staff the opportunity to volunteer for a day to learn first hand what issues their customers face.
• The Digital Inclusion Network is a membership programme (£25 annual fee) managed by Age Concern to deliver support to organisations planning digital inclusion projects for older people in the UK. For more information about the Digital Inclusion Network including details on how to join, tel: 020 8765 7231 or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Age Concern’s Silver Surfer Week, 10-14 September 2007

Younger IT users are the “taste makers” responsible for swelling the ranks of silver surfers, evidence from Age Concern suggests.

The desire to keep in touch with the grandchildren is the catalyst spurring many older people on to learn skills for new technology. And thousands more are set to join them during Silver Surfer Week (10-14 September).

Ofcom recently revealed that over-65s now spend more time on the web than those aged between 18 and 24 .

According to new Age Concern research , more than half of grandparents claim that new technology enables them to keep in better touch with their grandchildren than they were with their own grandparents.

Two out of every three grandparents “talk” to their grandchildren by email, text or mobiles. And three out of every five grandparents, whose grandchildren live overseas, are in online contact with them.  Age Concern groups across the country have also reported a surge in interest in digital photography and Photoshop amongst grandparents who are keen to make the most of family snaps.

The majority (59%) of older people who took part in last year’s Silver Surfer Week said that they already had access to a PC at home – not so much “try before you buy” as “buy before you try”.

Silver Surfer Week seeks to strengthen the bond between the generations by teaching thousands of grandparents new technology skills so they can meet their grandchildren on home turf – just in time for Grandparent’s Day on September 22.

During Silver Surfer Week, absolute beginners, computer sceptics and stalwart PC enthusiasts are all welcome to attend free byte-sized computer sessions at their participating Age Concerns and other training venues across the country. Age Concern’s computer trainers specialise in working with over 65s and will let learners take things at their own pace.

Gordon Lishman, Age Concern’s Director General said: “Most grandparents no longer live in the same town or city as their grandchildren. The desire to bond with their grandchildren is one of the key reasons why the over 65s are giving IT a try. Older people who want to join the fun should put their nerves to one side and join a Silver Surfer Week event.” 

For information on Silver Surfers Week sessions telephone 0800 00 99 66, or visit http://www.silversurfer.org.uk/, email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ends

Notes for Editors -

• Radio producers: Age Concern England has spokespeople available for interview and offers an ISDN facility. Please contact Miranda Yates, tel 020 8765 7350.  
• The Department for Work and Pensions Corporate IT team will be taking part in Silver Surfers Week, sharing their IT expertise at the community events. The DWP's involvement is part of their Community 5000 initiative, providing staff the opportunity to volunteer for a day to learn first hand what issues their customers face.
• The Digital Inclusion Network is a membership programme (£25 annual fee) managed by Age Concern to deliver support to organisations planning digital inclusion projects for older people in the UK. For more information about the Digital Inclusion Network including details on how to join, tel: 020 8765 7231 or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it