Technology for Later Life Staying Connected, Safe and Independent

Many people in later life say that they have managed perfectly well without the internet and see no reason to change. That is a reasonable view, but there are practical benefits to being online, and many people who have started say that they wish that they had done so sooner.

Video calls let you see grandchildren and friends who live far away. Messaging apps keep families in touch through photographs and short messages. Online shopping and banking save journeys, and delivery services help when mobility is limited. Health services increasingly use digital tools: the NHS App can be used to order repeat prescriptions, book appointments and view parts of your record. Entertainment, such as streaming programmes, audiobooks, podcasts and games, offers a wealth of choice, and online learning and hobbies keep the mind active.

Common worries include fear of making a mistake, of breaking something, of being scammed, and of feeling stupid. These are all understandable and manageable. You will not break a device by pressing the wrong thing, and most mistakes can be undone. Scams can be avoided with a few simple habits. Feeling slow at first is normal, and everyone learns in their own time.

The right device is one that you find comfortable and that does what you want. There is no need for the newest or the most expensive.

Many people in later life find a tablet the easiest starting point. It has a large touchscreen, no separate keyboard or mouse, and a simple layout that is good for video calls, photographs, reading and browsing. A smartphone is more portable and useful for calls, messages and photos, but has a smaller screen. A laptop is better for typing, longer documents and tasks with more complexity. Consider simple phones with large buttons and screens designed for older users if you want something very straightforward.

Make the device comfortable. Increase the text size, adjust brightness, switch on bold text and enlarge icons. Turn on voice assistants and dictation if typing is difficult. Use a stand or case to hold the device at a comfortable height, and consider a stylus for a precise touch. Set up a screen lock that you will remember, and keep a written note of your passwords in a safe place at home. Ask a helper to set up key apps on the home screen, such as video calling, photographs and the NHS App.

Make sure that you can get help. Buy from a retailer or provider that offers support, and ask about warranties, set-up services and telephone helplines. Keep the instructions, and a note of the model and the key settings.

For many people, staying in touch with family and friends is the reason to start, and it can be one of the most rewarding uses.

Video calling, using apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom and others, lets you see and hear someone in real time. Your family can help you to install the app and set up a contact so that you can call with a single tap. Messaging apps allow you to send text, photographs and voice messages, which is useful when time zones or schedules differ. Sharing photographs, whether of your garden, a recipe or a family occasion, is a simple way of being part of each other's days.

Practise with a patient person. Try short calls first, and find a comfortable place with good light and a steady device. If the picture or sound is poor, check the internet connection and the volume. Learn how to mute, switch the camera on and off and end a call. Most platforms have large buttons and simple controls.

Consider joining online communities of people who share your interests, such as gardening, history, crafts or music. They can be a source of friendship and information. Be sensible about sharing personal details and about people you do not know.

Digital tools can make some of the practical business of life easier, particularly if mobility or transport is a challenge.

The NHS App provides a secure way of accessing health services in England. With it you can order repeat prescriptions, book and manage some appointments, view test results and parts of your health record and get health information. You will need to prove who you are when you set up, and a family member or support worker can help. Other parts of the UK have equivalent services. Many GP practices also offer online consultations.

Online banking lets you check your balance and make payments without leaving home, and using your bank's official app is generally safe if you follow the usual precautions. If you prefer to use branches or the phone, you can continue to do so. Online supermarket shopping and deliveries are valuable if carrying heavy bags is difficult. Government services, such as renewing a driving licence, applying for a passport or checking your State Pension, are available through GOV.UK, and you should always check that you are on the genuine site.

Also consider assistive technology. Smart speakers can play music, set reminders, answer questions and make calls by voice. Medication reminder apps and pill dispensers, personal alarms and telecare systems can support independence and safety. Ask your local council, your GP or organisations such as Age UK about what is available.

Criminals target older people in particular, but they target everyone, and many of those who are caught are highly capable. A few simple rules protect you.

Be suspicious of anything unexpected. Banks, the police, HMRC, the NHS and tech companies will not call, text or email you to ask you to move money, share a PIN or one-time code, or give remote access to your computer. If a call worries you, hang up, wait, and call your bank back on 159 or the number on your card. Do not click on links in texts or emails that you were not expecting. Take your time, since scammers rely on pressure. Never pay by gift card at the request of someone who has contacted you.

Talk to someone before you act. Having a trusted friend or relative to talk to is one of the best protections. Many families agree a code word, so that a request for urgent help can be verified. If you are not sure about an email or text, ask someone you trust to look at it. Report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726, and suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you think that you have been scammed, tell your bank at once, and do not be embarrassed.

For a fuller guide, see the ebook on spotting scams and fraud. Organisations such as Age UK and Citizens Advice offer advice, and your local Trading Standards service can help.

Nobody learns technology alone. Good support is available, often free, and it makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

Many public libraries offer free internet access and sessions to help people to learn digital skills. Age UK runs courses and one-to-one help in many areas, and Good Things Foundation and its partner organisations support digital inclusion across the UK. Local community centres, U3A groups and housing providers often run drop-in sessions. Shops and manufacturers run workshops for beginners, and some provide home visits. Ask your GP surgery, council or library what is available locally.

If family members help, let them explain the steps, and write them down in your own words. Ask them to let you press the buttons, since you learn by doing, and to be patient with questions. Ask them not to take over your accounts, or to set up things you do not understand, and to explain what they have done. You should always be in control of your own devices and information.

Take it step by step. Learn one thing at a time, and practise until it is comfortable before moving on. Keep a notebook of what you have learnt. Celebrate achievements, however small. Digital skills are built by repetition and patience, and many people who began later in life become some of the most enthusiastic users.