28 July 2015

• Two thirds of over 65s believe the internet and computers are the most revolutionary products of their time, trumping televisions and nuclear power
• Over half say being online is an important tool to reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation
• One in ten would use an online dating site to find a partner or friend
• Despite recognising its transformative impact, half of those aged over 65 don’t feel confident in their online skills, so in a bid to increase skills amongst those unsure of technology EE is hosting National Techy Tea Party Day in partnership with older people’s charity, the Royal Voluntary Service
• On 8th September, over 500 EE stores across the UK will host Techy Tea Parties from 9.30am – 11.00am, allowing over 2,500 volunteers to help people get online and learn more about today’s technology
• To register to attend a Techy Tea Party on 8 September, visit any EE store across the country or go to ee.co.uk/techyteaparty

Two thirds of people aged over 65 said they consider the internet and computers to be the most revolutionary inventions of their lifetime. The internet beats the invention of TV, radio and nuclear power in a poll commissioned by EE to mark the launch of its annual Techy Tea Party Day.

Almost a sixth of those polled said they would be interested in meeting a partner or friend online, and a tenth of over 65s said they would consider signing up to a dating site or app to find love. A fortunate 520,000[i] of the older generation have already met a love interest online. **

The survey also reveals that for over half of those polled, being online is an important tool to reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation as it helps them feel closer to their families. It seems that many are taking a proactive approach with 63% of over 65s already a member of an online club or social group to look for company online.

For the majority of people aged over 65, the internet is the most important source of news and information with 98% of those asked saying they would rather give up their TVs, radios, magazines and newspapers before cutting off access to the internet.

Despite having a strong appreciation for the internet, half of those polled in the survey said they didn’t feel confident in their online skills.

In a bid to help people build confidence when it comes to the internet and technology, EE has partnered with Royal Voluntary Service to hold National Techy Tea Party Day across more than 500 stores nationwide on Tuesday 8^th September.

On that day, more than 2,500 volunteers will be on hand between 9.30am and 11.00am* to show how technology can help you stay in touch with friends and family, make the most of hobbies and interests, and access important services like utility companies.

Top ten uses of the internet for over 65’s:

• Email
• Online shopping
• Researching local services and products
• Internet banking
• Reading news online
• Looking up places they have never been on Google Earth
• Social Media
• Looking up places from their past on Google Earth
• Property searches
• Connecting with old friends

Stephen Harris, Chief Corporate & Strategy Officer at EE comments on the findings: “It’s encouraging to see the internet and technology playing such an important role in keeping families connected and ensuring older generations don’t feel isolated from society. The research tells us that the over 65s are using the internet at least once a day, but not everyone feels confident in their online skills. Hopefully people will visit an EE store for our Techy Tea Party Day to talk to an expert and develop essential their online skills.”

John Pearson, Chief Operating Officer, Royal Voluntary Service adds: “We are delighted to be able to work with EE for its Techy Tea Party Day and combine forces to increase older people’s confidence using technology. It’s important older generations don’t feel intimidated or left out with advances in technology and working with EE we hope to see more and more people getting online and using it to keep in touch with families and friends.”

Top five most popular apps amongst over 65s:

• Facebook
• BBC News
• Amazon
• Google Maps
• YouTube

EE National Techy Tea Party Day is an evolution of the company’s desire to help people get connected and is further reinforcement of EE’s commitment to improve essential digital skills of people all across the country.

People who sign up to attend an EE National Techy Tea Party on 8 September are invited by EE to bring along the device they want to learn more about such as a mobile phone, or tablet. EE staff will help them get to grips with everyday technology as well as teaching basic online skills in an informal setting over a cup of tea provided by campaign partner Tetley.

EE has been committed to improving digital skills since the brand launch in 2012 and is a founding partner of Go ON UK – the UK’s leading digital skills charity. The Techy Tea Party campaign has already won the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award for its influence in boosting digital literacy and its success with helping local communities overcome their tech challenges.

Registration opens today and anyone interested in attending a Techy Tea Party can visit any EE store or go to ee.co.uk/techyteaparty