Why you should help older people gain digital confidence in Lockdown

Importance of confidence for the older tech user

My job is to support businesses with their IT, but I also help people in their homes. By that I mean non-business users, as obviously at the moment most people are at home.

 Some of my clients are in the older age category, usually needing a hand with “every day” IT. These queries may seem obvious for people who have grown up with technology, but it can be a challenge if that’s not been the case.

Confidence can be a real issue, especially if they are around other people who seem to know what they are doing, or they are worried about “breaking” something.

When the first lockdown hit even the most reluctant of IT users had to bite the bullet and embrace technology. With the older generation being told to stay indoors, and not even being allowed to go grocery shopping, IT became a necessity.

3.36 million over 65s in the UK have never used the internet

According to 2019 ONS figures on internet users, of the 4 million people in the UK who have never used the internet, 84% were over the age of 65, and 62% were over the age of 75. Those that didn’t even have a device needed to try to get their hands on a new or second hand one, just to be able to get their regular food shop delivered to their door. With little or no face to face help from friends and family this was a real challenge, even for the ones who were confident enough to give it a go.

It’s been a massive learning curve, but with help and support a high number of the older generation are able to do a little more online, and it can make a huge difference to their lives. It can help not only with online shopping, but also opening up lines of communication to friends and family over video messaging software. Being able to see a friendly face during lockdown & chat almost as though they are in the same room has been a life saver for some.

Being able to bank using the internet has been another barrier to overcome. Having to learn to pay bills without the usual trip to the high street bank. With the lockdown now lasting for almost a year, insurances are due and so comparison sites need to be tackled. Healthcare has also moved online with video calls instead of face to face with your doctor, physio or other health care provider.

Using technology is much more than online shopping

Using technology can also fill some of the long days in the house; Taking photos using a mobile phone and sending them to friends, doing crosswords and quizzes, reading the newspaper, listening to music, listening to audio books, streaming tv and films, following an exercise routine, and the list goes on. Staying in has had to become the new going out.

Technology can help make life a little more bearable, but when all you want to do is hug a friend or family member, the end of lockdown can’t come quickly enough. Hopefully though, the skills that have been learnt will last way beyond the end of the pandemic.

If you or someone you know need a bit of a hand getting to grips with their technology give me a shout – I’m always happy to help. Sarah@computerassistance.org – making IT your solution not your problem.