Enjoy Life

Don't miss out on the internet age

In today's digital age, Andrew Bibby looks at the importance for older people of being online

Another round of bank branch closures has been announced in recent months. The banks' argument, as they leave customers the wrong side of the bolted front doors, is that more people are handling their banking online.

It's a familiar message. Last year, the Office for National Statistics reported that 89% of all households in Britain had internet access (it was 57% 10 years ago). More than four-fifths of us (41 million people) use the internet daily or almost daily.

This still leaved more than one in 10 households without connectivity. As you'd probably expect, there's a significant correlation between age and internet usage. Those of us who were middle-aged when the internet first arrived are still more modest online users than younger people.

Nevertheless, more than 30 percent of people aged 65 plus are comfortable arranging travel or booking accommodation online and more than 25% undertake internet banking.

So, if you are one of those people who has shunned the internet, perhaps it is tome to think again. Fortunately, the technology has come a long way in recent years and there's ample advice available to help you get started.

Making the connection 

If you think you need a traditional desktop personal computer to go online, think again. The most popular way to access the internet is through a smartphone.

Apple's launch of the iPhone in 2007 and the development of similar devices such as those running Google's Android operating system have meant that (unless they're well off the beaten track) the internet is almost always available to smartphone users. 71% of people in Britain go online through smartphones.

Laptops, notebook computers and tablets- a market which Apple initially created with its iPad- are the next most common route to the web. Traditional desktop PCs are increasingly less used down to 40%), but on the other hand he new arrival which is rapidly growing in popularity is the internet-enabled TV, the so-called smart TV.

What device should I choose?

Smartphones

Internet-enable mobile phones.

FOR: The ultimate in mobility. You can use your phone on a train to check your connections or find the time of the next bus at your stop. You can get the BBC news,, find out if the motorways are running smoothly, use yout phone as a GPS device when out walking in the country, and 1001 other things. Oh and you can make phone calls too.

AGAINST: Smartphones have become larger in recent years but some people still find them fiddly. Typing in can be slow work if you're used to a conventional keyboard. Smartphone packages vary enormously in price, and you can e tempted to sign up for a more expensive service than you need. Not all parts of the country have good mobile or WiFi coverage.

Tablets

Tablets are best thought of as oversized smartphones, run on smartphone operating systems (such as Android and Apple's iOS).

FOR: Like smartphones, you operate them by touching the screen. Some tablets offer detachable 'QWERTY' keyboards. Access to an endless choice of applications (apps), many free

AGAINST: Tablets are bulkier to carry than smartphones, but like smartphones, run the risk of being lost or stolen,. Tablets can be used as cameras, but taking photos can be cumbersome.

Laptops

Portable PCs, usually running on PC operating systems (such as Windows 7 or 10).

FOR: Inputting (typing) is easier than with a mobile phone and the screen is much larger and therefore easier to use. Laptops can be used as conventional computers at home (for example, linked to a printer).

AGAINST: Somewhat superseded by the growing popularity of tablets. Fewer bespoke applications available.

Desktop computers

Personal computers for the home.

FOR: A familiar object, normally equipped with a full-sized keyboard and large screen. Can be linked to a printer, scanner etc. Less risk of theft. Very much cheaper than they were.

AGAINST: No mobile connectivity, unless you also have a smartphone. Lots of cables unless you use Bluetooth to link devices. Do you still need a desktop PC taking up space in your house?

Smart Tvs

TVs that can access he internet directly.

FOR: Most modern TVs are 'smart', able to access the internet for live streaming of films and music or catch-up services such as the BBC iPlayer.

AGAINST: Although good for streaming programmes and music, not at all easy to handle more interactive internet services.

Public Libraries

Access to the internet at your library.

FOR: No need to pay for the kit. Usually provided for free. A good place to get started. Helps support a public library service.

AGAINST: Lack of privacy. Extra risks for some kinds of transactions (for example, internet banking) Not suitable for streaming services (like TV programmes and music).

Getting started

The internet is a participative place, where users are able to post their own material, comment on the things they buy and build online communities of interest. Here are just a few ideas.

1) Buying online: Almost all major retailers have facilities for online shopping, as do many specialist firms. You can use search engines (like Google) to compare prices and read other people's feedback. Online shopping is (generally speaking) safe and easy, although be cautious of companies you've never heard of. Remember you'll have to be in, to collect the parcel when it comes.

2) Telephony over the internet: You can make audio and video calls all over the world, at very low (or no) cost using the internet. Skype is the best-known way of doing this. WhatsApp is an increasingly popular mobile phone app which allows you to message friendship groups, and video or audio call other WhatsApp users

3) Online banking: Increasingly becoming essential. Ideal for paying bills (including future payments) and checking balances. Talk to your bank about how to enrol, and about basic security.

4) Social media: Facebook allows you to post to friends about what you're doing/where you are. Twitter is a similar, instantly disposable way of sharing your thoughts. Photos (best taken on your smartphone) can be attached to social media messages or posted online at sites such as Flikr, or using Instagram.

5) Staying in touch: Print newspapers are struggling because more and more we are reading the news online. Some companies make you pay to access their content, but there is still plenty of free access to news. Apps from, for example, the BBC, Guardian and Daily Mail can be added to your mobile phone. However, getting news from online sources increases the risk of fake news spreading- heard the one about the Pope supporting Donald Trump, for example?

What's coming next?

Stand by to hear a lot in the next few years about the 'Internet of Things'. All sorts of objects, including household appliances, can be internet enabled.

Already, for example, it's quite possible to control the heating in you home from your smartphone- so you can have the house nicely toasty when you get back. Fridges too, can be made 'smart', so they can tell you what's in there that's nearly time-expired. Is this good? Is it necessary? Who knows? But it's happening anyway.

TV and radio schedules are likely to become increasingly irrelevant as more people use streaming services (iPlayer and the like) to watch and listen to things at the times they themselves choose. The old way of watching TV is going: now we can dip into banks of past programmes and call up what we want when we want it.

Data- documents, music,, files, photographs and everything else- is increasingly being held and accessed in remote computer 'farms' rather than on our own hard discs or storage mechanisms.

This is what's called cloud computing. It does mean you have to trust that your data is being kept safe and secure. There have been some worrying leaks of personal data recently.

What's your tip?

We know that many Choice readers are long-established internet users. So, in the best tradition of today's internet, we'd like to hear your views:

Twitter, Facebook: Do you successfully use social media, or is it just for the young? What's your favourite social media site?

Smartphone apps: Everyone has a favourite app, but it can take time to find out what's out there. What's the one app you couldn't do without?

Skype: Skype is great for keeping in touch wih far flung children and grandchildren. Who do you keep in touch with?

Eating out and booking hotels: Do you have a favourite place to go to access restaurant and accommodation reviews? 

Other stories in Enjoy Life

The real cost of your wine
Cooking for one
Baking made easy
Stardust Memories
Staying safe in the Summer heat: Drowning prevention
Surprisingly Good Wholegrain Recipes: Savoury
Afternoon Tea Recipes
Are you ready for retirement?
Reaching out to Dementia Sufferers: Sporting Memories Network
End of the road for a pop icon
Anti-ageing Options
Anti-ageing Options Part 2
The Secret to Younger Looking Eyes
Volunteering for Nature
Brits Embracing 'Urban Birding'
Here's to you Mrs Robinson
Emily Watson "I'ts such a gypsy life"
Garden Expert: Soaking up the sun
Studious retiree heads back to school
Hawks: Up close and personal
Prepare to feel ancient...
Growing old is amazing
World' first 'wellness shed' stirs up mindfulness
Why winter shouldn't stop you: don't wait until New Year
Writing the story of you life
Dame Eileen and a Crowning glory
85 year old Grandmother gains a PhD
Jodie Whittaker: "Doctor Who is all about change"
Counter culture: The revival of the board game
Interior Design: Wedding bells on a budget
What we really look for in retirement living
Do you remember? Oliver!
Cliff Richard "I have a deeper faith now"
New Year, new beauty habits
Why antique jewellery is glittering
A gentleman's guide to spring fashion
BR remembered... 70 years on
Interior Design: Moroccan inspired drawers
Have your cake and eat your Easter egg too!
Craft Corner: Sweet Easter Basket
Dr Norman Croucher: The toughest summit of them all
In your garden: October
Beetroot and Walnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Scandi-style Mules for Swollen Feet
Declutter your home, and clear your mind
Grand Treats for Grandchildren
Healthy reasons to acquire a taste for olives
The Austerity Olympics
Beauty: Denise Welch "I love the shape I'm in at 60"
Hail the grandparent aupairs
Your views: Can you help?
The nation's most popular cake recipes
How to take care of your hair over-50
Totally Tina Tour
Baking With Veg
Walking back to happiness
The rise and rise of the birthday cake
Interior Design: Great Gatsby Cabinet
A second chance at love
Interior Design: Less is more in minimalist home
Plant Power Day: 7th March 2019
Bob Dylan "Rock and Roll music wasn’t enough for me”
Get Sewing: Quilted pot-holder
MasterChef: Classic with a Twist
Visit Family Tree Live
Pets need a spring clean too
Interior Design: Maximise your living space
The Vegan Revolution
Spanish Recipes: Small is beautiful
Beauty: Get set for spring...
Find your family fortunes... for FREE!
Get Sewing: Floral bespoke notebook cover
A life-affirming book... about death
Eat Continental and live longer
‘In Vogue’ Veg – Cavolo Nero Sales Grow by 14%
Finding Fitness Starts With Fashion
Summer fun at Belvoir Castle
Interior design: Inspiration for outdoor spaces
Look good and feel great with CBD
British Library: Palace of the printed word
Beauty: Say 'Allo 'Allo to an alluring look
Finger-licking Good! Tasty Chicken recipes
Keeping fit and healthy with the Green goddess Part 1
Keeping fit and healthy with the Green goddess Part 2