Yasmin Alibhai-Brown’s impassioned articles on how left-behind people can feel in this digital age really touched a nerve.
In two Mirror articles last week, the 73-year-old pointed out the non-tech-savvy, many over 70, are excluded from tasks such as paying for parking or booking a table as well vital public services.
Scores of you agreed and wrote to us to share your struggles with new technology.
Your letters:
As an older person, I feel totally left out and ignored when councils and companies, or indeed the Government, make decisions which mean I have to do everything online.
Yes, I use a computer but I don’t have a smartphone and if I did I wouldn’t know how to use it.
Then, of course, there are these ludicrous self-checkouts. When my local supermarket started using them, I wrote a letter to the managing director praising the staff and saying that elderly people who live alone appreciate a little chat while they put through our shopping. Thankfully, the manager decided this particular branch would always keep a staffed checkout open.
Wherever you look, elderly people are being sidelined.
Carol Doust, South East London
I wrote to one supermarket highlighting they may be breaking the law under the 2010 Equality Act by not having an alternative for people like ourselves who can no longer make use of their customer reward system because it’s now via an app.
Similarly, on our first holiday since Covid we made enquiries about our return flight home and were told we must do so via a smartphone.
When I explained we didn’t have one, we were advised to buy one.
This sort of thing shouldn’t be happening at our time of life. It’s time a minister or public body was set up to correct this and stop older people being treated like second class citizens.
Bill Brinksman, Warrington
I heartily welcome the article by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown.
I wrote to my retired trade union members branch on this issue. We’re increasingly concerned at the way in which digital applications are excluding older people from much of modern society.
We aren’t opposed to digital technology but we want corporations and public bodies to recognise the discriminatory consequences of new tech and find ways for older people to have access.
I’ve recently written to three of the train companies to explain that automatic ticket machines are disadvantaging older people.
So far, they haven’t replied.
Malcolm Ball, Wakefield, West Yorks
As the chair of our Senior Citizen’s Action Group in Oadby and Wigston with over 400 members, I wholeheartedly agree with Yasmin Alibhai-Brown’s articles. A recent survey of our members suggests many are finding life under the new technology frustrating, upsetting and sometimes almost impossible to cope with.
Some have been able to take on the new age with training, but many are being left behind and these seniors are finding life increasingly depressing. Almost everything is online, on an app or on email. Along with banks closing down, so many older people aren’t even able to access their own money. Phone systems are becoming more complicated with many options and keys to press followed by long waiting times which discourage many from using them.
I’ve received calls from many seniors who are so upset sometimes they’re in tears as they are unable to get appointments at the doctors. Others cannot contact the council or speak to the bank. The list goes on. I very much agree that this could be age discrimination and would like to see someone with the knowledge, power, and dare I say it financial backing, to take this forward as too many older people are giving up in despair.
Helen Loydall, Wigston, Leics
I took some visitors to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and one of my companions needed to use the toilet in St James’ Park, which cost 20p and could only be accessed with a card. I couldn’t believe it.
Has the world gone crazy? The memories of us older people aren’t what they used to be but we’re expected to deal with all these passwords and so on. I just wish we were treated with dignity.
Dolcie Gibbs, South East London
I have a tablet and enjoy Facebook and emails but my mobile is an older model, not connected to the internet.
Nor do I have fast WiFi or streaming services such as Netflix or iPlayer, and recently I was deprived of watching my local news unless I upgrade to HD. I’m sure many in my age group don’t view programmes in HD and may not be able to afford the upgraded service.
I feel aggrieved that I’m no longer able to access the full range of channels through no fault of my own.
No regard is being paid to the older generation at all.
Jacquelyn Allsop, Lowestoft, Suffolk
Recently I arranged to have a Sunday roast with a friend and withdrew the money beforehand as I didn’t want to exceed a certain amount. We were all dressed up and looking forward to our meal only to be told the pub was cashless. So we had to turn around and walk out again as we couldn’t even have a drink. The walk of shame came to mind!
As an ex-landlady I was gobsmacked, especially as so many pubs are having to close down. To me, businesses should be obliged to accept any kind of payment.
Tracy Hunter, Dagenham, East London
When I was working, I used to teach staff how to use computers but now feel totally out of touch as things have moved so fast.
Thankfully, I have a daughter who helps me, and grandchildren who teach me some things too.
At Christmas our television broke down so we bought a new one but couldn’t get it to work because we weren’t online. The only other option was to buy a second-hand TV. I’m sure many older people have found themselves in a similar situation. I did reluctantly get the internet installed but often need to be shown how to do things.
Carole Bonner, Ashford, Kent
I recently emailed a supermarket customer services to ask why their rewards scheme could only be used by people who have smartphones and if they would consider a physical card for customers who don’t have one. I also stated I feel discriminated against as I don’t have a smartphone.
The reply was: “We are not discriminating against anyone as the app is available for everyone to download. Its customers’ choice whether they have a smartphone or not.”
Why not just supply a card for us customers who choose not to have a smartphone?
Jayne Page, Orpington, Kent
I’m one of the forgottenn people, the elderly, and also in my case, the disabled. The renewal of disabled parking badges all has to be done online so we either have to get someone to help us or stand for however long at the library. It’s not easy being old and disabled. We used to be able to phone for appointments or help, now everything is done online or by an app. I feel we are forgotten in every respect and technology has left us even more in the cold.
David Edwards, South London
My wife can only use an old Nokia because she can’t use the touchscreen on the newer mobile phones. This is not because she’s old or not interested in technology but because she had a stroke some years ago.
No one should be treated like a dinosaur because they don’t have the latest mobile phone.
Tony Howard,Salford,Gtr Manchester
I don’t own a smartphone, tablet or laptop as it’s not only the cost of the device, but also the monthly payments which make it too expensive.
It’s now very difficult to get through to vital services, such as the utility companies and bank as they keep you waiting for a long time and you usually end up with a robot!
Even doctors’ surgeries expect everyone to have a smartphone. This makes a lot of older people feel vulnerable and depressed.
I hope the Equality Act can be applied to ensure equal access for all.
Shirley Simmonds, Cinderford, Glos
My 88-year-old mother has to have a cataract operation but the only way she can book an appointment is online. She doesn’t understand new technology, nor does she have a smartphone or laptop.
She is lucky her family lives close by and can do this for her but I understand how frustrating it is for her as she still likes to deal with things herself.
Lynn Hughes, Somerset
WOULD you like to help edit the Daily Mirror? Now is your chance.
We are looking for readers to be part of a special editorial project looking at issues affecting older people.
The project will look at all sorts of subjects affecting the most senior section of society – from loneliness, technological change and health to dating, travel and politics.
And we want readers aged 70 and over to research and write the content. Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience of journalism – you don’t need it. All you need is bags of enthusiasm, an inquisitive mind and a willingness to work as part of a team.
* If you are interested in taking part, please write a short note telling us why. You can email features@mirror.co.uk or write to Our Generation, Daily Mirror, Floor 23, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP.
