Over five million people aged 65 and over have never been online, according to research carried out by Age UK[i].
Increasingly services are moving online and social media is growing in popularity as a means of keeping in touch with friends and generations of the family. So there is a significant number of the population who are missing out on so much.
To help older people keep in touch Age UK has teamed up with Breezie to offer a solution that helps them make the most of the Internet if they are not familiar with digital technology.
This software is supplied with a Samsung tablet and simplifies every day apps such as Facebook to make it easy for older generations to get online and stay connected with friends, family and keep up to date with their own interests and hobbies.
It also makes the internet easy — to call someone for free on Skype, all the customer needs to do is simply tap a friend’s picture in the address book and they will soon be talking face-to-face.
Breezie also suggests which applications the user might like then adds more features as they become more familiar with the system.
Helena King, Head of Affinity and Development at Age UK said: “Breezie differs from most other desktop computers and tablets in that it tackles the two main barriers to internet adoption: over-complication and lack of relevance. It is set up to meet the individual needs of the customer and evolves with them so as the customer grows more confident and becomes more comfortable with the device Breezie can help makes the Internet easier. We hope this will make a real difference to people in later life, helping to stay in touch with family and friends and access the Internet easily and quickly.”
Jeh Kazimi, Founder & CEO of Breezie said: “Breezie was inspired by my own mother trying to navigate the internet, she found it intimidating and complicated. I couldn’t find anything on the market that could make the Internet work for her so I created it myself! We are delighted to work with Age UK to address the concerns of older individuals in the UK, it worked for my mum and I know it can help so many others too.”
Breezie is available to buy through the Age UK website and can be ordered by telephone from February 2014.
The system comes with a choice of an 8” or 10” Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 touch-screen tablet, a protective case, one year’s free support and access to their online support centre.
For more information call 0800 917 7588 (9 am – 6 pm, Monday – Friday) or go to www.ageuk.org.uk/breezie.
[i] Later Life in the United Kingdom, Age UK Dec 2013
