How to manage in a digital world
Alex.Barker | 01 Aug 2024
X, or Twitter as it used to be called, is a great way of complaining about things, or at least bringing topics of interest to other people's attention.
Recently, I spied a thread on X that had started with this comment, "My dad is nearly 90 and every official communication he gets requires the downloading of an app or the setting up of an online account. How do older people without relatives manage?"
Being helpful I then replied to highlight AbilityNet's volunteer support, available to older people and disabled people, for free. (Jordan, pictured, is one of our tech volunteers who helps people in his area in Wales.)
Change is harder, as we age
As we get older, our ability to cope with change and new concepts becomes less and less. I'm 52 and I can't cope with change. I like things to be the way they always were.
But I'm also a realist and I know things are going to change, whether I like it or not. Change can be a good thing, but if you are going to change things you do need to make sure that you take people with you.
Sadly, sometimes I'm not sure if organisations realise this.
Don't assume
There are many things we now can do online, be it getting a doctor's appointment or buying a train ticket or even doing online banking.
It is assumed that we know how to do these simple tasks. Just because I'm confident with my smartphone doesn't mean that my mum who is 80 is going to be confident with hers. In fact, I know that she's not and the only reason she got it was so she can Facetime with her grandkids.
Although I'm happy to give my elderly parents technical support, often it can lead to frustration on both our parts.
But where do you go to get support if you don't have a family member to show you what to do?
Free help is available!
If you are disabled or are an older person and need help with your tech or digital devices, please contact us to ask one of our AbilityNet volunteers for support.
Our network of 450+ tech volunteers around the UK are always patient and are quite happy to show you what to do, as they understand you might not get it first time around.
Most of our volunteers have helped people who are in exactly your position.
Of course, there are lots of people who have out-of-date technology, and you'd be surprised at the number of people who contact us who don't have smartphones.
You'll be glad to know that there are lots of smartphones designed specifically for elderly people who might not want all the 'bells and whistles' of a new piece of fancy technology.
Make the most out of life in a digital world using this range of factsheets and other resources build online skills and confidence.
Download your factsheets
Support your users
But sometimes what is missing from this move to everything going digital is the support from organisations when they change over to digital. It can sometimes seem that they just expect people to get on with the new systems.
Some people are going to struggle to get on with whatever provision has just gone digital only.
Although there are support networks like AbilityNet available to help people embrace tech, when moving systems over to digital there must be support staff available who can cope with frustrated users and have the time to walk people through the changes.
Going digital is inevitable. However, don't just assume that everyone is going to be confident with making the move. There are going to be a lot of people who will struggle. That's why our Advice and Information service is there to help you.
How AbilityNet can help you with tech for free
If you're over 65 years of age and looking to build your skills, AbilityNet offers free digital skills sessions in areas in and around London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff. We can also help you if you live outside these areas - contact us for support.
Trainers can build something bespoke for your group or for an individual and run sessions including:
- Getting to know your Smartphone or Tablet
- Staying Safer Online
- Getting started with Email
- Using Social Media, e.g. Facebook
- Online entertainment, e.g. watching TV online
- How to access Public Services e.g. Gov.UK
- How to make a video call
- How to manage your health online
- How to bank online
How AbilityNet can help you
AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.
- Call our helpline: 0300 180 0028
Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls - Access free factsheets about technology. Topics include voice recognition and keyboard alternatives.
- My Computer My Way: a free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Support AbilityNet
If you're able to help us help others please donate to AbilityNet
