dtlater

"I would like to introduce you to just a few examples of exciting and cost effective innovations which could be promoted by local authorities. Many more example are included in my forthcoming eBook "The Click Guide to Digital Technology for Care""

"With our very nice friends at the Nominet Trust, we're asking what are gransnetters' big worries about the future? Being ill, needing care, getting lonely etc? (Yes, I know, bundle of laughs, but there is an upside....) We're also asking how technology has helped you, not necessarily with anything to do with getting older, which we're all doing, but just how it's improved your life. "

"As cheque books are phased out, pensioners who believe in "real money" are more and more likely to carry cash, with all the security risks that this involves. Special rates for on-line payments (including the escalating fuel bills) are penalising older customers financially, and I'd argue equally importantly, in unnecessary loss of independence. Anyway, I asked Mum what SHE thinks. These are her words, typed up on her computer  (no, she doesn't tell you that bit!) but she had forgotten how to "save" it and gave it to me printed out…."

"The Campaign to End Loneliness is a coalition of organisations and individuals working together through research, policy, campaigning and innovation to combat loneliness and inspire individuals to keep connected in older age in the UK."

"The Age Action Alliance is an independent partnership of organisations which has adopted a new approach to the challenges of ageing, focused very clearly on finding practical solutions to improve the lives of older people."

"The Age Action Alliance is an independent partnership of organisations which has adopted a new approach to the challenges of ageing, focused very clearly on finding practical solutions to improve the lives of older people."

"As patients' interaction with the health service increasingly moves online, it is easy to assume that the voices of the elderly will be lost along the way. But in this week's Scrubbing Up, Dr Paul Hodgkin of the feedback site Patient Opinion, says social media channels are not just for the young."

"Next year the welfare system will undergo an overhaul as universal credit is introduced. The benefit, replacing six others, includes a new requirement to apply for benefits online. With millions of people having never used the internet, however, it raises the question of how those not online will manage. Universal credit is just one example of how, as our society becomes increasingly digitalised, those who are not online are at risk of becoming excluded. And it's not just a case of people opting not to be online."

"Get Involved At Spots of Time we want to make it really easy for you to give a spot of your time to make a diference near you.  So just click an activity below that you like the look of - choose a time, date and location that works for you - and book it Giving time with us is completely flexible - you don't have to make a long term commitment or have a CRB check (though we're happy to help you do this if you'd like to), and you can even invite friends to join you on facebook, twitter or by email.  We'll confirm your placement by email and send you the details you need to take part. "

"We hope you enjoy this webcam recording of this week's podcast, featuring regular presenters Stuart Arnott from Mindings and Shirley Ayres, and this week's special guest, Murtz Abidi from Casserole Club."

"This web site is designed to be a supportive online community for the over 60s to keep in touch. Its focus is on interaction - with family, friends, each other and through interest groups. This website is easy-to-use and members want to be part of a 'virtual' friendly, caring and supportive community."

"Casserole helps people share extra portions of home cooked food with others in their area who might not always be able to cook for themselves. For those who aren't on the internet, Casserole helps those who are offline to order meals, connect and pair up with local people - In fact most of the diners we have registered we've met personally and support through phone and text. "

"My Last Song features a Lifebox to store the important details of your life; advice on farewell music; and advice on end of life issues."

"But the other thing we have to remember is that there's probably little value in telling people that the internet is good for them. In a sense, this is where the government's Digital by Default strategy is flawed: people feel a bit bullied, they think it's about saving money (which it is) and why should they put themselves out for that? We would be better off thinking about why young people go on the internet. It isn't primarily because the health service needs them to, or even for price comparisons, cheap deals and easy banking. It's because the internet offers the things they love: music, relationships, the chance to make each other laugh. We would say this, of course, but at Gransnet we think we're an attractor for older people online: we offer something that gives older people real pleasure. But with the internet currently designed primarily by 23 year-olds for 23 year-olds, there still isn't enough really compelling content for older people, designed by the over-50s for the over-50s"

"Someone tell us something we don't know. Like, how are we going to get the less digitally confident, and the people who'd like to go online but who are still trepidacious, whizzing around the net with panache and aplomb, saving money, having choice, wielding civic powers, keeping mentally alert, feeling less lonely and isolated? That seems to me to be, still (and with the advent of universal credit which will only be delivered online, increasingly so) the most pressing question. And not least because unless it can be achieved, the fabled and miraculous cost saving efficiencies that online promises a heavily indebted government are but (non digital) pie in the sky."

"I thought I'd share a few of my experiences of introducing and teaching older people how to use computers in my role as a team leader in the Computer Classes section at Age UK Knowsley & West Mersey. I hope it will be of use to some of you, and please feel free to add some tips of your own."

"U3A Online courses are short courses specially designed for older people and available through a partnership between Third Age Trust (the UK national U3A organisation) and the U3A Online Inc.(based in Australia). These are courses for which no entry qualifications are required. They offer no credit on completion and are designed purely for personal interest and enjoyment.  They have been written by volunteers who are experienced tutors or course leaders in their fields.  These courses are aimed at U3A members, ex-U3A members who are no longer able to attend a U3A, and those unable to access conventional courses for one reason or another (e.g. restricted mobility, disability, etc)."

"Two thirds of UK adults surf the web every day, but 5.4 million Brits over the age of 65 have never ever logged on.That's the finding of a new campaign launched by Age UK - formerly Age Concern - called iTea and Biscuits Week, which aims to offer easy-to-use advice to get older people online."

"Sus-IT is a research project funded by the New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA) initiative, the largest research programme on ageing ever mounted in the UK. Research under the New Dynamics of Ageing programme will impact on policy decisions and scientific, technology and design choices that will make sure that older people will enjoy better quality lives. Here you can find out more about what our research involves, read our publications and find out how you can participate in our research."

"Anyone who knows me, will know I am a gizmo diva. I love my gadgets. I find this amazing as I am useless at DIY and lack the desire and motivation to change the status quo. I consider myself a people person and the digital world enables me to connect with people all over the world. As I grow older (I am already of an age where I am described as a 'pensioner' Oh, how I hate labels!) I have come to the conclusion that my world will shrink and when that happens, my digital products will provide a lifeline for staying in touch with people wherever they are as well as maintaining my independence by shopping online etc."

"This post follows on from my last one about setting up an ipad for my father-in-law who is a stroke survivor (so will make more sense if you read that first).  I received some lovely good wishes and interest so I wanted to provide an update."