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September 2022 - Telecommunications

71% of older people say sharing pictures and videos with family members helps alleviate loneliness: A study into how older generations use digital technology including mobile phones has uncovered that seven in 10 people surveyed state that sharing pictures and videos with their family helps them tackle isolation; however, just 17% of those surveyed said they do this on a regular basis.

The poll by BT surveyed 2,000 British citizens aged 50 and above in Spring 2022 as part of a scheme to help counteract the increased feelings of loneliness experienced in UK care homes over the past few years. The scheme aims to educate over 25 million people in the UK with new digital skills to help them stay connected to loved ones.

Despite many respondents expressing how much speaking with family digitally has helped them, only half of those aged 70 and over feel confident using their mobile phone, found the research. On the other hand, nearly three-quarters said they feel as though their phones are essential for keeping in contact with their family.

Not only do mobile phones help the older generations connect with their family and friends, they have also been shown to help improve independence and decrease their reliance on others. 

Sir Geoff Hurst, former England footballer and World Cup winner, said: “I am fortunate that I’m in regular contact with my immediate family, but there are people who have very little family around them or at all. It’s a great thing to connect them - through technology - so they can speak to their mates or people they have lost contact with years ago.”

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