Two in five older Australians believe the internet is too expensive, and two-thirds say they have “very low” internet skills according to a study from the Queensland University of Technology.
The study of 149 participants conducted by Dr Sandra Haukka has shown that pensioners are at risk of being left behind as businesses and governments shifted more services to the web.
Dr Haukka explained this was leaving older Australians unable to bank, use government services, communicate with family and friends as well as stay in touch with community events. “The internet should help people to live independently for longer, enabling them to learn, bank, shop, communicate and network from home. … There are serious negative impacts for those without access to it,” Dr Haukka said.
Read more at Queensland University of Technology