IT training 'closing generation gap'

13:45 3rd November 2009

Providing IT training to older people can help ensure they remain socially active and could also encourage more people to continue in employment for longer.

With the UK expecting to see an aging population result in people having to work longer in the future, those currently heading towards retirement could take note of the experience in America, where older people are receiving some intensive IT training.

This could help more people take up employment after retirement age and also ensure they can have an active social life by staying in touch with friends and family via the internet.

The BGTIME programme being carried out by the Central Carolina Community Foundation is one example in the US where IT is being used as a way to keep the older generation active and ensure they do not remain cut off from society, the Daily Gamecock reports.

"In our first year we have trained 20 student mentors who are working with a diverse group of 40 seniors to produce content on our website," BGTIME project director Carolyn Holderman told the student newspaper of the University of South Carolina.

In the UK, the aging population is becoming an increasingly important topic, with both the current government and Conservative opposition agreeing that the age of retirement will have to be increased in the future to cope with the soaring number of older people.

Written by David Jones

ADNFCR-1667-ID-19439782-ADNFCR