Offline connection

Alex Drew from our partner charity Faith in Later Life (FiLL) explores how to reach older people who aren’t online

In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying connected has become instant, cheap, and easy – at least for those who are online. However, millions of older people remain excluded from these benefits. Despite a growing number of seniors embracing technology, Age UK’s 2023 analysis showed us that over half of those aged 65 and over either struggle to use the internet safely and successfully or are entirely offline.

The statistics are striking. Among the 5.8 million people found unable to complete the most fundamental online tasks, 69% were over 75, and 30% were between 65 and 74. These numbers are even more significant when we consider that those most likely to be offline are often the most vulnerable – those living in rural areas, or from lowerincome households.

While we resolved the issue together using my smartphone and internet, the experience was a reminder of how the rush by some to go fully digital is leaving many older people behind.

Church life is affected too. Many churches and Christian groups now rely on emails, websites, and social media to let people know what’s happening. While these tools are invaluable, they risk leaving offline members in the dark unless intentional steps are taken to bridge the gap.

How Christians and churches can help

At Faith in Later Life, we asked our Church Champions what they do to connect with older members and friends who aren’t online. Their insights show creative and compassionate approaches to staying in touch outside of in-person gatherings:

• Printed resources: Church leaders and volunteers are printing emails, event invitations, prayer guides, and even sermon scripts. Large-print versions are being created for those with visual impairments.

• Landline communication: Prayer chains, buddy systems, pastoral call rotas, and the DailyHOPE phone line (0800 804 8044) remain invaluable. Landlines provide a lifeline for sharing news, prayer needs, and encouragement.

• Community outreach: Local magazines and newspapers are being used to share stories about what’s happening in the life of the church community, and to advertise events and services, reaching well beyond the congregation.

• Face-to-face visits: Delivering printed materials, offering pastoral visits, and simply spending time with older members is helping to foster meaningful connections.

• Partner with initiatives: Age UK’s Digital Champion Programme recruits volunteers to help older people improve their digital skills. The programme also provides loan technology to those without access.

• Leverage local resources: Check with your local council or library for digital inclusion schemes.

• Host tech-tea afternoons: Churches could also host “tech-tea” afternoons where volunteers assist seniors in learning new skills over a cup of tea.

• Facilitate intergenerational learning: For some churches it may be possible for the Youth Ministry and the Seniors Ministry to come together to share skills and encouragement.

• Offer personalised support: Offering one-on-one help from patient volunteers can make all the difference for someone hesitant to engage with technology.

By combining offline care with efforts to include older people in the digital world, we can help them to manage their day-to-day life better, and to stay connected with church and family life, ensuring that nobody is left behind.