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Older People’s Commissioner for Wales: Leave No-one Behind (2020)

Action for an age-friendly recovery

report front cover

This period has shown that urgent and radical action is needed to increase digital inclusion in Wales. Digital access now needs to be considered as a right and as an essential utility in the same way we consider the need for gas and electricity.

Read the report here: Leave No-one Behind [opens in new window]

Quotation mark

“So many feel disconnected, mainly because so many don’t use social media. As many times as my Group have been shown even basic use of tablets, phones, they don’t feel confident to use them when alone. This of course makes many feel discriminated against as they don’t get vital information.”

Older person at engagement event

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For many older people, the anxiety and isolation they have experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic has been compounded by not being online. Without access to the internet, it can be difficult to find information, get answers to questions, and verify what is being reported. Internet access also brings wider benefits that have been particularly important for many older people during the pandemic, such as helping them to stay connected with family and friends and access useful online services including the delivery of food or medication.

Report