Loneliness and Technology

That the Parliament acknowledges the report commissioned by Vodafone that explores the societal and economic cost of loneliness in people aged over 50 and how technology can help to tackle these issues; notes that the report reveals that 130,000 people in Scotland aged over 50 are either often or always lonely; understands that loneliness has a profound societal impact, costing the Scottish economy £160 million per year, either through strain on public services or costs to employers in time taken off work; notes that the report identifies five steps for policymakers to consider in breaking down existing barriers to technological access, including the introduction of a care challenge fund, and applauds Vodafone for highlighting the positive role that technology can play in tackling loneliness.