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Help someone you know improve their skills this Spring Online

Help someone you know improve their skills this Spring Online

Help someone you know improve their skills this Spring Online

UK Online Centres logo Today we have a Guest Blog from Helen Milner, Chief Executive of Online Centres Foundation. Here, Helen talks about Spring Online Week and why her organisation is supporting it ... This week is Spring Online week, and all over the country older people will be attending sessions to help them improve their computer and Internet skills. Plusnet have released some fascinating research that shows that - amongst other things - 84% of the over 65s use the Internet to find deals, with 63% saying they could not live without being online, and three-quarters saying the Internet keeps them feeling young and mentally agile. These figures show that older people are getting real benefits from using computers and the Internet, and it is really opening up new opportunities and making them feel more included in their communities. What the figures don’t show is the huge divide that still exists between those who are using the Internet, and those who aren't - with only 3 in 10 people over the age of 75 having ever used the Internet before. Helen Milner - Chief Executive of Online Centres Foundation I see first hand every day just how big an impact the Internet can have on the lives of older people, and that’s why we’re supporting Spring Online and encouraging older people to take their first steps online this week. One of my favourite case studies from the last year is of Norah, an inspiring lady from Doncaster who - after losing her husband - decided to learn how to use the Internet for the first time. Not only did it allow her to keep up with her grandkids, but it also had a huge impact on her health - and her life. Norah used online diet forums to help motivate her to lose weight - which she did. In fact, Norah lost so much weight that her arthritis improved, and she was able to learn to play the ukelele - something she had always wanted to try! Stories like Norah’s are why campaigns like Spring Online are so important, and why everyone needs to get on board to ensure that older people aren’t left out from what the Internet has to offer. So if you know an older person who you think could be just like Norah - or one of the other one million people we have supported to improve their computer and Internet skills - why not encourage them to find somewhere in their community where they can get online - with help and support. They can do this by visiting www.ukonlinecentres.com/centresearch, or by calling 0800 77 1234. From getting to grips with email to learning the ukulele, what has the Internet taught you?  Leave a comment here ...

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