UK’s Over 70s Face Digital Isolation – The Critical Need for Inclusive Support

What the Grown-ups on the Green‑field Tell Us About Tech & the 70+ Crowd

In a world where the 70‑plus crew are tackling smartphones as if they’re the latest pop‑star, a fresh study (yes, it’s called A WORD FROM THE WISE) has turned up a cheeky nugget: only a mere 31% of public‑sector bosses are actually asking this age group what they want in new services. That leaves a good chunk of seniors possibly stepping over the next leap in tech wizardry.

Why It Matters

Missing the Digital Dips: Without tailored services, older folks might just miss out on the convenience of online banking, health check‑ins, or even their favourite streaming shows.
Loneliness & Lock‑in: In an age where everyone’s chatting in chat rooms or on video calls, neglecting the 70+ can leave them feeling left behind.
Gold Mines of Tech: The elderly are actually excited to adopt tech—yet, their needs are being left to roam blind.

How the Study was Run (Spoiler: It Was Genius)

The research team at Civica (a big player in public‑service software) set up focus groups with folks over 70 from all corners of the UK. They also ran two big surveys—one for regular adults and another for decision makers in the public sector. The goal was to flip the “elderly + tech” narrative upside‑down and show just how many older people love that gadgety new‑fangled goodness.

Study Highlights

54% of participants wanted a hot line! They’d love services that help them keep in touch with family even when flying from the other side of the world.
59% said “yes” to specially‑crafted services: Whether that’s simplified apps or tablet interfaces, they want something that works for them.
Only 31% of leaders talk to this group: Tailoring an app or a website might get a lot of people reading the change you’ve made.

Bottom Line: Let’s Not Leave Them on the Sidelines

Online tech isn’t just for teens or giggle‑in‑cloud startups. The fast‑paced digital world means that our older generations deserve a seat at the table—without them, we risk a gap that has real consequences on healthcare, politics, and everyday life. If the public sector starts listening to this “wise” crowd, everyone could win.

UK’s older generations embracing technology

Tech‑savvy Seniors: A Digital Renaissance at 70+

Turns out the people who once thought phones were mere freighters of voice and SMS are now the real power‑players behind a whole digital ecosystem. The latest research shows that more than a two‑thirds of those aged 70 and above grip a smartphone daily, and a whopping 84% feel at home using laptops. And yes, some of them even own sound‑syncing speakers that can cue up the news or play a favorite podcast.

Online Public Services: The Ultimate Playground

Passport, Drivers’ Licences & Buses: 67% of seniors have filed all those crucial documents remotely – beating every other cohort.
Health & Healthcare: 60% have booked GP appointments, hospital slots or reordered prescriptions over the net.

In short, the over‑70s aren’t just content with scrolling memes. They’re actively shaping the future of public service delivery.

Technology as a Ticket to the Future

When asked whether new tech could help, 58% felt that biometric solutions such as facial scans or fingerprint swipes would tighten security, while 60% saw artificial intelligence as a catalyst to streamline medical processes. All in all, the older generation looks forward to a smoother, smarter, and more secure service landscape.

A Voice From the Experience Division

“Our fresh research shows that the over‑70s are not just ready to ride the wave—they’re actually loving the digital tide,” says Tony Hughes, Executive Director for Local Government at Civica. “They’re equipped, savvy, and highly enthusiastic about online services.”

Hughes adds, “With seniors making up 15% of the UK’s population—nearly nine million people—and that number will only climb from here, keeping their needs front and center in new digital projects is not just smart, it’s essential.”

He notes that, as we step out of COVID‑19 restrictions, public sector bodies now have a golden opportunity to rethink and re‑shape services to align with both evolving and longstanding demands.

Bottom line: the older workforce are not just consumers of technology—they’re architects of tomorrow’s public services. And for the industry, there’s no better cue than to make sure the digital future is friendly, functional, and fun for all ages.

Include over 70s in service design

Tech & Aging: The Surprising Gap

The Numbers That Matter

Public sector leaders say 81% of them involve citizens when crafting services—but only 31% of those folks are over 70. That’s a huge blind spot.

Older Gals Getting Their Tech Fix

Tablet usage: 39% of 70+ users toss a tablet on the table daily vs 23% for the 25‑34 crowd.
Laptop usage: 39% of seniors are typing away on laptops every day, while the millennials hit a modest 35%.

So what’s happening? Digital services are built for the “young” crowd, while the older generation, who are sashaying through a half‑dozen devices, get left in the dark.

Why We Need More Seniors in the Mix

It’s clear that the current weighting is out of sync. The aging population keeps growing, and their tech habits are strong—yet their voices are being sidelined. If we want to make online services that truly serve everybody, we can’t choose to ignore the 70+ segment.

techUK’s Call To Action

Julian David, CEO of techUK, isn’t just talking the talk—he’s walking the walk. He says:

“Our members are committed to technology that positively impacts society and the economy. That’s why we launched the Accessible Technology Group, leading the charge to champion digital inclusivity.”

He adds: “The pandemic proved how tech can keep us connected, and this study offers a fresh perspective on building rest assured that everyone can benefit.”

He wraps up with a rallying cry: “Public sector organisations have rocked the pandemic. As we build back better, let’s heed these insights. techUK is excited to partner with you, using tech to deliver services that truly meet everyone’s needs.”

Improving public services for everyone in our society

Tech’s Silver Surprise: Why 70‑Plus Folks Love It (But Still Need a Hand)

Picture this: over 70‑year‑olds, 79 % swear by technology, saying it’s made public services super better. But when they hit the web to deal with local government, only 34 % rate the experience as “very good.” That’s a stark contrast to the 68 % who gush about banking and finance sites – the reigning champ of the study.

Why the Gap Matters

These digits tell a simple story: technology is the rope that can pull people up, but the community needs to tighten the knots if we want everyone to stay aboard.

Performance boost: Solving everyday tasks faster and cheaper.
Growth room: The “silver tsunami” keeps expanding, so leaders must act now.
Community safety: No one should feel left in the cold digital wilderness.

The Four Pillars for 70‑Plus It‑Gurus

Awareness – Make them know the wins that tech offers.
Security – They’re already privacy‑savvy; give them a confidence boost.
Accessibility – Faster connections and intuitive interfaces are priceless.
Inclusion – Design every service with the elder in mind, not after.

Hughes’s Take

“Remember the ‘stay at home’ boom that showed how handy tech is for filling the emotional and practical void? Well, technology’s march will only speed up. We must keep everyone on the train—no one left behind, no one left unsupported.”