AGE campaigners warned today that increased use of digital technology puts older people at risk of social exclusion and could breach equality laws.

The Welsh government-appointed older people’s commissioner for Wales Helena Herklots has issued a report into the rising numbers of older people at risk of social exclusion as the use of digital technology increases.

Ms Herklots said: “It’s clear that many older people are facing significant digital barriers, which are affecting more and more aspects of people’s everyday lives and creating stress and anxiety.

“This risks undermining people’s rights and exacerbating existing inequalities, as those who are likely to need services the most may find themselves essentially prevented from accessing them.”

The commissioner is demanding action from Welsh public bodies including ensuring that duties under the Equality Act are met and delivering practical support to get people online while continuing to provide information and services via non-digital means.

The Welsh government was asked to comment.