Although the internet is a great commodity for elderly people to keep in touch with the world, it should not be used as a replacement for regular face-to-face methods of communication and help, it has been emphasised.

A spokesperson for Age Concern stated that older people should always have access to digital technology but also be coached to deal with things such as the internet to keep them informed as individuals but also to help them fulfil their "needs, capabilities and wishes".

However, technology should not be used as a simple fix to much more complex situations, as the older generation still needs face-to-face contact, despite them receiving high-quality IT support.

The charity continued: "We would hope that any digital technology designed for older people is priced in a way that makes it accessible for the widest range of people."

Age Concern represents the interests of everyone over the age of 50 in the UK and campaigns on issues such as pensions, day care and age discrimination.

A recent Connect survey found that the two major concerns about outsourcing services like IT support were 'loss of control' (56 per cent) and 'budget over-runs' (43 per cent).