Having Fun Online Later in Life
Modern technology offers many conveniences for older people, whether it is automation for assisted living, Telecare, or any of the modern tools for counteracting dementia. But, for all of the ways that technology can enrich their lives, older people should still approach the internet with a measure of caution, especially with the number of older people gaining online access increasing each year.
Beware scams
One of the most common applications of the internet for any age group, is socialising. And for older people, on the whole, the Internet can serve to provide a means of virtual socialisation and a way to stay in touch with family and friends. There are, however, individuals and groups who use the internet as a means to exploit the technologically naive. Those who didn’t grow up in an era that was reliant upon computer technology in the way that modern society is, are therefore vulnerable to (and commonly targeted by) online scam artists who are looking to make a quick buck.
If you have an ageing parent, you should be aware that such scammers often target retirees because a common perception is that all older people have a nest egg stored away for their golden years. For the people who lose their life savings, this sort of attack is tragic. Older people afflicted with Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia, are especially vulnerable.
Many older people feel lonely in the later periods of their lives, as some of their friends have passed on and their family may live hundreds of miles away. It’s even more difficult for those who live in rural areas, as they often have to deal with poor mobile reception and the spottiness of satellite internet marring contact with loved ones via real-time applications like Skype or Facetime. They are often at risk for getting roped into e-mail correspondences. Online predators are well aware of ageing people’s desire to interact with others and engage in meaningful relationships. They’ll design elaborate schemes to forge online relationships with people in order to manipulate them into handing over either money or personal information that can be used for identity theft.
Plenty of older people with their mental faculties intact have been duped by malevolent online scam artists (and plenty of young people, too). There are all sorts of scams, including those set up by romantically inclined online “trolls” that con artists create to portray themselves as love seekers in an attempt to siphon money from them. Online predators start conversations with older people with an end goal of convincing them to send money for a fake personal emergency, or for services or products that don’t really exist.
Aside from kindling fake online romances, scammers also run automated Internet scams through websites and e-mail programs, fake anti-virus programs with pop-up windows, which steal the user’s information and illegitimate e-mails that ask for seniors to update their information. Such e-mail requests come from phishing scammers who pose as the IRS or other organizations which older people are more likely to interact with. These scammers take the personal data from older people who reply to the fake requests and use it to steal their identities.
Be safe and have fun online
Yet despite these potential dangers, older people shouldn’t be discouraged from participating in the Internet. Internet use can be more productive than passive solitary activities, such as watching television or listening to music. Elderly people can use the web to socialise through online chat rooms, message boards and games. Online gaming is quickly growing amongst the older demographic, as they serve to keep the mind sharp and engage with fellow interested game players.
E-mail too is a wonderful way to stay in touch. Often, older people live far away from their family members and past acquaintances. E-mail is a convenient way to maintain those relationships without the burden of having to answer the phone at a specific time for a verbal conversation. The Internet can serve as a catalyst for the development of social engagement. Local groups use their websites, message boards and e-mail campaigns to spark the interest of outsiders who are looking for common ground within the community.
Many elderly people have few people left in their lives save for a handful of distant friends and family. Instead of living a life of complete solitude, they should embrace contemporary technology to stay actively engaged with the surrounding world. For every older person who has been manipulated through an elaborate online scam, there are plenty more who have successfully navigated the web to stay in touch with others and cultivate relationships with organizations and individuals that they otherwise wouldn’t have met.
Beth Kelly is a freelance blogger and writer for hughesnetplans.com, where she covers the latest tech innovations and software developments. When she’s not writing, she loves cooking and kayaking. She lives and works in Chicago, IL.
We offer a great at home computer training service. For details, call now on 03333 441584. Lessons costs £40 per hour.
Or complete the form below and we will contact you. Please use this enquiry form only for computer lessons. If you wish to contact us about any other matter, please email [email protected]
