Nearly two million British military veterans are being left behind in the digital revolution, creating what experts are calling a "worrying isolation gap" among those who served their country.
New research from the Office for National Statistics reveals that approximately 1.8 million ex-service personnel lack essential digital skills needed for everyday tasks, from online banking to accessing crucial government services.
The Scale of the Problem
The alarming figures show that veterans aged 65 and over are particularly affected, with many struggling to perform basic online operations. This digital divide means thousands of former service members cannot access veteran-specific services, healthcare resources, or even communicate with family members through digital platforms.
Charities supporting ex-military personnel have expressed deep concern about the findings, warning that many veterans are becoming increasingly isolated as society moves rapidly toward digital-first services.
Impact on Daily Life
The digital skills gap affects virtually every aspect of modern life for these veterans:
- Unable to access online banking and financial services
- Struggling to book medical appointments through digital systems
- Missing out on veteran support services moving online
- Difficulty connecting with family through video calls and messaging
- Challenges accessing government benefits and pensions online
Call for Action
Veterans' organisations are urging the government and tech companies to develop targeted support programmes to help bridge this digital divide. They emphasise that those who served the nation deserve special consideration in ensuring they're not left behind in the digital age.
The research highlights an urgent need for digital literacy programmes specifically designed for the veteran community, particularly focusing on older former service members who may have retired before digital technology became ubiquitous.
