Age Concern: Too few websites cater to older people

Category: Accessibility

April 15th 08, 13:00

Internet resources are biased in favour of younger age groups, according to one related organisation.

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, notes that marketers are failing to take advantage of the spending power of older consumers by excluding them from digital content and services.

About three in five of people over the age of 50 have access to a computer and many Britons in this age group go online to communicate with family and friends, meet new companions or pursue hobbies, he points out.

But the number of website targeted specifically at older people's accessibility needs is low compared to those aimed at other age groups, Mr Lishman maintains.

"Web providers need to switch on to the buying power and increasing internet usage of the grey pound," he said.

A poll by alljoinon.com published in March 2008 found that the average consumer in their 60s spends £48.78 a month on e-commerce resources.

This news story was brought to you by Bluhalo, a leading UK digital agency.

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