Age UK reports that many people aged 65 and over in England still face difficulty using online services, and it is urging the government to protect offline options. The charity estimates that about 1.6 million older people are “digitally included,” while about 1.4 million never use the internet at all.

The outlets describe the figures as evidence of a continuing digital divide among older residents. Both pieces present Age UK’s call for government action as centered on ensuring that essential services remain accessible to those who do not go online or who struggle to do so, rather than relying solely on digital channels.

While the reporting focuses on the same Age UK findings and policy message, the emphasis is on the scale of non-use and the practical implications for public access. The articles frame the issue as both a matter of inclusion and a need for safeguards for offline services.