Here at Newsflash Online, we know that technology has its dangers, but it can also be used to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. One example is in alleviating loneliness, especially in older people.
A new report by Vodafone, titled ‘Harnessing Technology to Tackle Loneliness’, highlights the role that technology can play in helping to keep people connected with family and friends. It was launched this week at the House of Commons and calls on the Government to use technology to augment and improve traditional social services.
Tech and learning tech skills can help reduce loneliness
Vodafone UK CEO Nick Jeffery said: ‘Our report shows how technology and innovation, such as smart devices, as well as teaching tech skills can play an important role in reducing loneliness and enabling people to live independently for longer.’
The report detailed how around one and a half million people in the UK aged 50 or over suffer from chronic loneliness. This is not only damaging for the individuals but is said to cost more than £1bn from the public purse every year. Older people who are also lonely are more likely to rely more on social care and also use their GP services more.
Report calls for digital tech on prescription
It called on the Government to adopt technology in a number of ways in order to help people retain their independence, maintain real-world social circles and make new friendships. One recommendation was to allow the NHS to issue prescriptions for digital technology such as monitoring systems and wearables. The report added that local authorities should have more funding to support technology in the home that can improve people’s independence.
It said, however, that the most important thing was to develop tools that could be used by people to increase their knowledge of and confidence in technology, enabling greater participation.
Vodafone has previously announced that it will hold 20 free ‘techconnect’ events around the country that can help older people in areas such as setting up home tech connections and using social media.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: ‘We launched our first ever loneliness strategy last year, and through our Ageing Society Grand Challenge we want to harness innovation to tackle loneliness and support healthy ageing. New technologies and services that can help people stay connected and independent will play an important role in this.’
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