More elderly people will be willing to go online if the internet and associated technologies are made more approachable to them, according to a leading UK charity.

Speaking on behalf of Age Concern, technology and digital inclusion development manager Nancy Johnson explained that while many people are embracing the online world, a number of those in the 65-and-over age group continue to miss out on its benefits.

She explained: "Access is important but the key to getting older people online is making sure education and training [are] available to demystify online technology and also demonstrate the potential benefits of going digital."

Ms Johnson added that Age Concern is regularly holding events to introduce older contingents of society to the internet, though hopes that other organisations will follow its lead.

Age Concern supports all individuals in the UK over 50, making sure they get the most from life through the provision of essential services including day care and information.

More than half of small businesses (53 per cent) believe that the most important benefit of outsourcing is guaranteed response times for IT support. London-based Connect conducted the research in 2007.