Is Your Loved One Becoming Digitally Invisible?
By 2035, up to five million older people in the UK could become ‘digitally invisible’, according to research by Noble Live-In Care – unable to access essential services or stay connected in an increasingly online world.
For family carers, this isn’t just about technology. It’s about connection, independence, dignity – and the growing risk that parents and grandparents are quietly being left behind.
When Family Life Moves Online
Families today increasingly communicate in a digital world:
- Photos are shared instantly in WhatsApp groups
- Birthday invitations arrive via apps
- GP appointments are booked online
- Banking is done on smartphones
- School plays are livestreamed
Yet many older people remain digitally offline. They may say they feel increasingly disconnected from their grandchildren as communication becomes more technology-driven. It’s not that families don’t care – it’s that everyday interaction has changed.
And when an older relative cannot confidently join these activities, they may begin to withdraw – bad news for their mental health.
The ‘Wi-Fi Desert’ in Care Settings
Most UK care providers have digitised their internal systems. But much of that investment has gone into administration, monitoring and compliance – not necessarily into helping residents use technology themselves.
Sadly, this can result in older people living surrounded by devices and Wi-Fi but without anyone having the time to sit with them patiently and teach.
For family carers, this can mean:
- Calls depend on staff availability
- Technology feels unreliable
- Communication becomes irregular
- Guilt creeps in on both sides
Access alone does not equal inclusion. A tablet in a bedroom does not automatically create connection.
Why Some Older Relatives Are More at Risk
Digital exclusion is not evenly spread.
Older women
- 46% of women over 75 are offline
- Many live alone
- Widowhood significantly increases isolation
Older men
Men aged 55–64 are the most likely group to report having no close friends. When they later enter care settings, digital tools could help maintain contact – but only if they feel confident using them.
Rural communities
In parts of the South West in the UK and other rural areas, bank branches and GP surgeries are closing faster than digital support is being introduced. Poor broadband makes things worse.
This creates what some providers describe as a ‘rural void’ – where older people are cut off both physically and digitally.
The ‘App-Only’ Future
Experts predict that by 2030, the UK could reach what’s being called the ‘App-Only’ barrier.
As the NHS, Department of Work and Pensions, and banking services become fully digital:
- 3.5 million over-75s could be digitally stranded
- One in four care home residents may have no personal internet access
- By 2035, five million older people may struggle to access services independently
Without support, older relatives may increasingly rely on family members to manage appointments, finances, and benefits online.
For carers already juggling responsibilities, that adds another layer of pressure.
What Family Carers Can Do
You don’t have to solve digital exclusion alone, but small steps can make a big difference.
Check confidence, not just access
Ask questions like:
- Do you feel confident using your phone?
- Would you like to practise together?
Confidence is often the missing piece.
Break it into small skills
Instead of teaching everything at once, focus on:
- Answering a video call
- Opening photos
- Sending one simple message
Repetition builds comfort.
Be patient with fear
Fear of scams and mistakes is real. Reassurance matters as much as instruction.
Speak to care providers where relevant
Ask questions such as:
- Is one-to-one digital support available?
- Can regular video call time be scheduled?
- Are there digital inclusion programmes locally?
Keep alternatives open
While digital inclusion is important, there’s no need to replace human contact. Phone calls and letters still matter.
Why This Conversation Matters Now
Technology can be a bridge – but only if people are supported to cross it.
Without intervention, the UK risks creating a generation that is not just lonely, but digitally invisible.
For family carers, digital inclusion is about more than apps. It’s about making sure your loved one:
- Feels part of family life
- Has control over their own services
- Maintains independence
- Stays emotionally connected
Staying connected isn’t a luxury. It’s central to wellbeing at every age.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash