Never too old to surf
Age is no barrier to going online, writes Sinead Ryan
Most of us take the internet for granted but we forget there is an entire cohort of people out there who have never been online, and are terrified of even thinking about it. Many of them are older people, and although there are thousands of ‘silver surfers’ happily tapping apps to book restaurants, holidays or check their bank balance, for others it’s forbidding.
This week, I’m looking at getting started online for seniors, who are very valuable and vocal consumers — the panel has some useful starter websites. CSO figures show half of 65-74-year-olds have never used the internet (EU average: 37pc). The National Digital Strategy describes internet use among over 75s as ‘negligible’. Its aim is to get people digitally literate, using simple, everyday technology to communicate and handle information. And it’s free!
Age Action says its clients often complain of feeling pressured by banks and State organisations to get online when they are unable or unwilling to do so. Government services actively encourage people to apply for benefits, renew driving licences or fill out forms for instance, often at the expense of offering alternatives like landline numbers or postal options.
However, when embraced, the web can change lives. An American study in 2014 found that regular internet use reduced depression among seniors by a third, especially those living alone. So if you’re keen to get going, and are afraid of what’s ahead, what next?
Getting started
The ‘Digital Skills for Citizens’ project has seen €2.2m allocated to 12 organisations this year to provide basic skills training. Call into your local citizens information office, library or community centre for local classes. The free training course is a 10-hour programme over five weeks, with 10 participants per course covering introduction to the internet, security, email, websites, online Government services, video calls and use of apps.
Yvonne Keane is a ‘Third Age’ Digital Skills tutor. The organisation provides classes in eight Leinster counties. “This is a really worthwhile programme. Giving one-toone time to some participants helps to bring them on. Knowing how to use Google, listening to music and the RTE player are all popular, as is online banking,” she says. Students range in age from 50s to 90s.
At 93, Oliver is one of the oldest. He has bought a smartphone, has learnt how to google information and to send and receive texts. “A whole new world has opened up for me, I am practising on a touch screen and looking forward to learning more,” he says. The message from Third Age is that you are never too old to learn. For more information, call them on 046 955 7766.
Gadgets
You’ll need a phone, tablet or laptop. Look for a touch screen, rather than fiddly touch-pad, larger screen and HD display for clarity. Top of the range is Apple’s MacBook Pro at €2,899 but Curry’s PC World has the Acer Iconia One for €119.99 (down from €179.99) which is perfectly fine. ‘Doro’ phones are free from Three and Carphone Warehouse if you sign up to a €30pm plan. They have clear screens, easy buttons and are available in flip or smart phone options.
Safety
Many older people cite safety concerns about going online, according to Sage Advocacy. “The majority of our group may not have shopped online and for those who have, they generally shop for very specific items from known suppliers with contact details that have been checked out in advance. It’s important to know that your rights shopping online are even stronger than in a shop.”
When making payments online, using PayPal is a great way of ensuring your money is safe.