Life not cake walk for elderly in digital world

London, Jan 7 (UNI) Internet banking, e-commerce, online shopping and trading...the digital revolution has made life easier but the elderly, particularly those from economically weaker section, feel left behind in the race.

In a recent survey, conducted by the National Consumer Council of Britain, it was found that there is a huge gap between well-educated customers having knowledge of web and those who do not understand the technical know-how of internet.

Most of the elderly do not have bank account either and with technological advances, it has become increasingly difficult to pay bills, the survey found.

Especially, the less well-off elderly are suffering the most as they cannot have anyone face to face about financial problems, the Daily Telegraph reported today.

At present, there are many who are both cash and time poor and struggling to earn their bread and butter. These people fall prey to door-step salesman and illegal money-lenders, the survey commented.

Expressing concern over the trend, NCC head Philip Cullum said, ''The world is changing for consumers. On the one hand, we are better informed about our rights. But some are being left behind.

They have less choice, they are seen as less attractive by business as potential customers and they often pay more for goods and services and receive less.'' As against a nationwide average of 57 per cent, only 29 per cent of people over the age of 65 have internet access at home, the figures revealed.

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