The UK's digital divide has taken a stark turn, with a recent study revealing that more than 1 in 3 people over 65 (4.7 million) lack the basic skills to use the internet successfully. The study, conducted by the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) in collaboration with the charity Age UK, found that 1 in 6 people over 65 (2.3 million) struggle to even access the internet, let alone use it effectively.
The findings are a worrying reflection of the UK's ageing population and the need for targeted digital inclusion initiatives. With the internet increasingly becoming an essential tool for everyday life, from accessing healthcare and financial services to staying connected with loved ones, the digital divide in the UK is not just a social issue but also a economic one.
The ONS study surveyed over 12,000 people aged 65 and over, finding that those who lack basic internet skills are more likely to live in rural areas, have lower levels of education, and experience loneliness and isolation. The charity Age UK has warned that this digital divide could exacerbate existing social issues, such as loneliness and social isolation, which are already prevalent among older adults.