Internet and Technology – Learning for Older People
If you’re aged 65 or over, then there’s a chance you might have felt overwhelmed and intimidated by the internet and technology at some point. Whilst this can make you feel lost, left behind and out of the loop, it is important to understand that you are not alone.
If you have lived the majority of your life without the use of technology or the internet, then you’re bound to feel overwhelmed with it at first. After all, everyone feels a tad intimidated the first time they try something new.
Whilst the internet can seem complicated at first, it is actually a lot more simple than you might think. There are a number of step-by-step guides to talk you through how to use the internet safely, and how to get the most out of technology.
There is also a list of tips and tricks on how to use the internet in the right way so that you feel confident enough to use the internet and stay safe online.
There are also a number of barriers when it comes to older people and technology, including a lack of support, a lack of confidence, not knowing where to buy devices and having no one to talk you through how to get started.
However, once you overcome these barriers, you might be surprised at just how much you are able to do with technology and the internet on your side.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
Internet, Technology and Older People – The Statistics
Whilst older people have avoided using technology and the internet in the past, the statistics show that more people are embracing the internet and technology more than ever before.
A recent study carried out in 2018 by Ofcom’s Adults Media Use and Attitudes Report found that 28% of individuals aged 75 or over now own and use a tablet on a regular basis [1]. When we say tablet, we don’t mean something prescribed by a doctor and ingested orally.
A tablet is a mini-computer, which you can hold in your hand, search the internet with and use apps on, such as Facebook or Skype.
After the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis, the number of individuals aged over 75 years old who were now using the internet and technology on a regular basis increased, and 21% now felt confident enough online to create their very own social media account [1].
Another study carried out by the Office for National Statistics found that more women aged over 75 are confident using technology than men are [2].
These statistics are very promising. However, there is still a large proportion of the older population in the UK who feel intimidated and negative towards the internet and technology. Unfortunately, this means there thousands of people are missing out by not embracing technology and the internet.
At Equity Release Warehouse, we believe that technology and the internet can help you massively in all aspects of life, including your finances.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
How to Make The Most Out of The Internet and Technology
There are a number of different ways that you can make the most out of the internet and technology, including keeping in touch with family and friends. You can also shop online safely, whether that is by your weekly food shop, birthday presents or cards or gifts for people who live far away.
This is great, as it allows you to shop from the comfort of your own home without having to leave the house, which can be especially great if the weather is bad or you feel poorly.
You can also manage your finances safely online, from online banking to paying bills. You can also now book online GP appointments, which might be easier than trying to book an appointment over the phone these days.
Whilst these benefits are fine, they are useless unless you know how to do them. That is why we have created a list of tips and tricks on how to use technology so that you can get the best out of it.
1. Setting up an email account
Most people aged over 65 years old who use the internet and technology have an email account. Email accounts are one of the best ways that you can stay in touch with family and friends, and if you’re new to technology and the internet then they are always a great entry and starting point.
Setting up an email account is easy and it’s completely free. There are a number of different email providers, including Google Mail, Outlook or Yahoo. It doesn’t really matter which provider you choose, so feel free to choose whichever one you find easiest.
Having an email account means that you will have an online email address, which you will need to hand out to other people if you want to email them. If you want to email someone else, then you will need the other person’s email address.
When you set up your email account, you will be given the chance to create your own email address, which will look something like, ‘nameexample@gmail.com.’
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
2. Online shopping
Online shopping is another great way individuals can use the internet and technology to their advantage.
Online shopping is great because it allows you to get what you need from a range of shops, which they will then deliver to your house. Most shops allow you to order online, including Asda, Sainsburys, Tesco, M&S and Waitrose. You can also shop online from other independent shops.
When you order online, you simply add what you want to the shop’s online ‘basket.’ Once you have finished shopping and have added everything you need to the basket, you can click ‘checkout.’ This is when you are able to add your delivery address and add your card details so that payment can be taken.
The majority of online stores are safe, meaning that you can input your card details safely and you don’t have to worry. However, we always recommend ordering from a large and well-known store when ordering online.
3. Online banking
Online banking sounds scary, but in reality it is actually straightforward. Whilst we absolutely acknowledge that at times it is easier to go in store and speak to someone in person when there is a problem with your money, online banking is useful when it comes to checking up on your money, managing your savings, budget planning and moving small amounts around.
You can easily access your money through online banking applications or by online banking websites. You are then able to check how much money you have in your account(s) and would be able to make sure that bills have come out on time.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
4. Manage your household bills
The internet and technology is also able to help you to manage your household bills online. Most utility companies allow you to set up online accounts and view any recent bills.
This will ensure that you are paying the right amount and won’t have to wait on hold for hours whilst trying to get through to someone for help.
By choosing online banking, you will also get the chance to opt for online bills, meaning that you won’t be sent any in the post. Instead, you will have access to them via online banking.
You will also get the chance to use comparison websites, to ensure that you are getting the best deals. If you are not on the best deal then you can swap providers.
You can also research other ways to save and manage your money online, including looking into things such as re-mortgaging and equity release.
5. Arrange GP and doctor appointments
We all know how hard it is these days to get a GP or doctor’s appointment. You have to ring up as soon as they open, and try numerous times to get through, just to make an appointment.
This is why it is becoming increasingly common to book GP appointments online. Most GP and doctors’ websites will let you book online. You can start by typing your local doctor’s surgery name into google, and clicking on their website. Alternatively, you can use the NHS app to book online doctor’s appointments.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
6. Watch TV online
Whilst you can always watch TV on your normal TV, there are a number of catch-up platforms now such as ITVX, Channel 4’s streaming platform 4oD and BBC iPlayer. These streaming platforms allow you to watch anything on catch-up.
You can also now watch content on other streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime or Now TV. However, you do have to pay for these. YouTube, however, is completely free and lets you watch a whole host of content, from TV shows to user-generated content that other people have filmed, created and uploaded to YouTube.
7. Get a social media account
Social media accounts are a great way of connecting and keeping in touch with family and friends. There are a number of different social media platforms that you have probably heard of.
For example, Facebook is the most popular online social media platform for people aged over 65. Twitter is also popular with this age group.
Each social media platform is different, which could seem overwhelming at first. However, you could ask a friend or family member who already uses a social media platform to talk you through how to use it. It’s actually a lot more simple than you might think!
The main thing you do on social media is message other people, and also see what other people ‘post’ on their social media pages. You will also have your own social media page, which you will be able to ‘post’ things on. You could ‘post’ a picture, or a little paragraph or statement about what you think or have to say.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
What devices should I get?
Below, we outline devices to use:
1. Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are a great way to stay in touch with other people. Just like your landline phone, you will be able to call other people and they will be able to call you. The only difference is that you can carry your mobile phone around with you, in your pocket.
If you get a smartphone, you will be able to access the internet on your phone, meaning that you could do some online banking or use social media.
2. iPads and Tablets
iPads and tablets are like mini computers which you hold in your hand. Essentially, they are like a large smartphone. They are a lot bigger than smartphones, and are known as the midpoint between computers and smartphones.
They have bigger screens which might make it easier for you to watch content on and type.
3. Computers and laptops
Computers and laptops are great starting points if you want to get to grips with using the internet. You will have to get WIFI at your house, so that you can browse the internet. You will be able to use Google, or other search engines such as Yahoo to search the internet for your websites or social media sites.
References
[2] https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/itandinternetindustry/bulletins/internetusers/2020
