Charity's plea for help for over-60s

A THIRD of people aged over 60 say life is harder than it was five years ago because more services are online, according to a survey.

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The research for Age UK found 53% of respondents felt frustrated when they were recommended to access services online rather than in person or on the telephone.

Some 29% said they felt left behind and 38% believed the shift to online services was "ageist".

The charity said the shift to "digital first" in public and private services had created significant barriers for older people who were not comfortable with using technology, leaving many struggling to access essential NHS services like GP appointments, hospital treatment and financial services.