Help the Aged launches award

Help the Aged launched the Golden Award for Technology yesterday, in an effort to recognise creators of products or services which enables older people to maintain their independence. Websites, Internet training programmes, home technology, mobility aids and sensor or alarm equipment all qualify for the award. Nominations must be received by 1 December.

Though the older population (over 55s) spends £1.3bn on information and communication products annually, Help the Aged head of policy Tessa Harding claims the technology industry “has been slow to research and develop practical appliances to daily living” for this group of people.

“Technology can enrich life, but if used wrongly it can abuse privacy and civil liberties, with many older people opposed to the spectre of electronic monitoring and reduced face-to-face personal support,” says Harding.

Those wishing to enter should call Kath Ellis on 0171-253 2926.