The rise of the Silver Surfers
Did you know that ‘silver surfers’ are the fastest-growing group of online users? Older people have realised its never too late to have a change of attitude and begin to understand the incredible benefits that new technology can bring to enhance and improve their day to day life.
But what opportunities could one expect to enjoy once they’ve fired up their device and jumped online?
Some benefits include:
- Connecting with loved ones via social media or online video chat
- Enjoying the convenience of internet banking
- Online shopping
- Access to interesting websites and information
- Gaming and virtual reality (VR)
- Digital photography and video editing
If the idea of connecting to any of the above ideas is daunting, you have a few options. You could firstly enlist the help of a younger, more tech savvy relative, neighbour or friend, asking for a few lessons on the basics. Choose someone who is patient and encouraging, who you’ll feel comfortable asking questions of - even if you feel they may be silly! The other option is accessing a provider who specialises in supporting seniors with technology.
Some suggestions would be:
- https://seniornet.nz- specialising in digital skills training for those 50 and over.
- https://www.digitallearn.org/- a website offering quick and informative courses.
- https://netsafe.org.nz/olderpeople/ - Offers helpful and straightforward information and advice on how to avoid online risks as an older person.
- https://diaa.arlo.co/w/courses/cat-10-better-digital-futures - Provides digital literacy training for seniors. Each pathway is free and involves four or five two-hour sessions which are held in-person at locations around Aotearoa.
- https://steppingup.nz/ - offers free community programmes to help people build their computer, smartphone and digital skills in small easy steps. These are free and mainly held in public libraries, community rooms or centres or retirement villages around NZ.
So don’t risk FOMO (fear of missing out)! IMO (in my opinion) you’ll be sure to open up a whole new world of opportunities and enjoy some fun memes (a humorous image, video or piece of text that is widely circulated on the internet) like a pro in no time!
