Abstract: Poor health is known to predict social exclusion in later life, however this relationship is moderated by internet and technology use. People’s approach to technology varies and older adults are known to engage less with technology and its associated applications than younger age groups. We conducted qualitative interviews with 40 participants aged 65 years and over, asking people about their access to services and use of technology. Focusing on information and communication technology (ICT), we found varying levels of engagement amongst this group and identified four categories of user: proficient, basic/learner, proxy and avoider. We explored people’s experiences of ICT and revealed a number of actual and perceived barriers, including hardware, software and social factors that inhibit people from fully engaging with technology. Technology use has the potential to protect older adults in poor health from exclusion, but first people need to overcome barriers preventing them from engaging with technology.