Silver Surfers
The event was part of efforts to publicise the implications of e-government, e-participation and e-democracy for older people in a bid to avoid social exclusion in old age.
Diane spent the afternoon chatting to web-savvy local pensioners about issues relating to the impending e-revolution and the prospects of increased e-government.
Diane Abbott said: “The internet will become increasingly useful for older people. It will become a vital tool for avoiding the social exclusion of older people. Whilst it can never replace personal interaction the net can provide a link to the outside world. It can be useful not only for shopping or accessing news and advice on age-related issues but also as vital for participation in the democratic process”.
Diane with first time Silver Surfer John Deal
Diane added: “Those working to increase e-government or e-democracy must be sensitive to the needs of older people.
It is important that they are not left behind but are trained to use the internet to their advantage”.
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