EASTLEIGH SOUTHERN PARISHES OLDER PEOPLE’S FORUM (ESPOPF’s) fifth research project, entitled “In the Dark”, examines the nature of information needed by older people and the obstacles they encounter trying to acquire it.

A detailed analysis of over 5,000 searches by older people identified the commonly-needed data, the departments responsible for providing the information and the preferred method of access. The telephone presented many problems for the majority of older people.

Older people with particular difficulties were identified: those unable to access the internet; the partially-sighted and blind; the hard of hearing and deaf. Insight into these problems was afforded by 3 focus groups.

In conclusion, respondents wanted both local and national information, provided locally by a human being when they needed it. Access by telephone and internet to a local village “hub” was considered essential.

Evidence is provided by questionnaire data from 451 respondents, 18 in-depth interviews from those seeking and those providing information, 3 focus groups and photographs. The report is available at the link below:

In the Dark- ESPOPF