In response to older workers 'embracing new technology'

By Alan Jones, PA Industrial Correspondent

Chris Ball, Chief Executive of TAEN ñ The Age and Employment Network ñ says:

It is good to see any evidence of misconceived stereotypes about older people being aired. More than 50 per cent of people over the age of 50
surf the net and some three million have access to computers.

ìOlder people have years of knowledge and skills behind them and potentially valuable service to offer, but all too often they are cast aside as a neglected resource through wrong-headed attitudes. Stereotypes like 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks,' were never appropriate but today, when older workers turn their hands to all manner of challenges, they seem ludicrously
outmoded.

ìFar from being a burden in the workplace, older people not only embrace new technology, but have the added value of experience. Our research consistently concurs with these findings. We hope that public attitudeís will shift as more employers see the benefits that older people can bring.î