Helping elderly loved one to get connected to the internet can completely change their lives. Not only does the internet enable people living in different places – and even in different countries – to see and speak to each other online, it can also provide the elderly with a valuable means of entertainment and help them overcome periods of boredom and loneliness.
However, for older people who grew up before it was invented, the internet can seem both complicated and confusing. All it needs, though, is for a younger family member to explain some of the amazing things they can do using the internet and help them get started. With the right support they can be up and running within minutes of being connected. A tablet linked via Wi-Fi to the internet really can open up a whole new world of opportunities for everyone, but especially for the elderly.
It won’t be long before everyone in Britain with a telephone landline will automatically be connected to the internet. With traditional “copper-wired” telephone landlines scheduled to phased out from the 31st December 2025, all landline calls from that date will be made digitally and will be routed through the internet. The important point to remember here is that the internet need not just provide a person’s home phone line; it can also be linked to a range of other digital devices, including a Smart TV, a mobile phone, a laptop, a computer tablet – even a digital energy meter.
So although the internet may be a foreign concept to many older people, the fact is that internet telephony for all will soon be here, and, if they want to continue to be able to talk to friends and family by telephone, they have no alternative than to embrace the new technology. That is why it’s essential you persuade your elderly loved one to get connected to the internet!
1.Get connected with friends and family
One of the biggest reasons to help elderly loved one get connected to the internet is that it will make it a lot easier and cheaper for them to keep in touch with their family and friends. Loneliness is a common problem among the elderly, especially if their family and friends live a long way away and can’t get over to see them as often as they would like. The internet allows the elderly to enjoy video calls with family and friends using, for example, Facetime, WhatsApp messaging and other digital platforms. How to Set Up Facetime (youtube.com) offers a very informative, step-by-step guide on how to set up Facetime.
2.Accessibility to digital tv and other information and resources
As well as powering digital telephony, the internet also gives access to literally hundreds of digital TV stations – far more than can be received via a rooftop aerial. There is an endless array of programmes about every conceivable subject, including news and current affairs, history and archaeology, nature and wildlife, travel, health, hobbies, films, drama and light entertainment. Digital broadcasting also offers what it known as “catch-up tv”, whereby if you miss a programme at its regular broadcast time, you can watch it at any time of day or night with the next 12 months. Digital TV also offers access to a vast archive of popular programmes from years gone by, anything from Dad’s Army or The Vicar of Dibley to Prime Suspect or Silent Witness.
3.Enhanced communications
The internet is a great way for the elderly to get in contact with people like their GP which they have loyalty with but not be able to visit due to health issues. Virtual appointments have become the new way to improve communication and avoid long waiting times. If you or your loved one is in full time care, they can have direct contact to their care giver and have reports of what happened during their visits. This way they will be get connected more efficiently with their support services.
4.Entertainment and Leisure
There are many opportunities for older people to enjoy creative leisure through the internet, for example, e-books, podcasts, games and online courses. These can all provide mental stimulation, excitement, and relaxation. If your loved one enjoys art and crafts, there are many apps that can help them keep their mind active and creative. There are also Apps like Instagram and Facebook which allow people to get back in touch with long lost friends and family members and share precious memories via photos and videos. In short, the internet is a marvellous way to help older people stave off boredom and loneliness, discover new interests in later life and reconnect with earlier periods of their life.
5.Personal Development
The internet offers numerous opportunities for personal growth and skill development through online courses, tutorials, educational resources, and virtual communities, allowing older people to pursue lifelong learning and explore new interests. Free time isn’t just about waiting for something to happen and there has never been a better time to take a advantage of what the internet can offer.
6.Convenience and Accessibility
For older people with mobility issues, the internet will enable them to access a wide variety of services and resources from the comfort of their homes, including online shopping, banking, prescription refills, and transportation services. Once they have registered an account online, all these services will be relatively straightforward to use, but your loved one will no doubt be grateful if you or another family member can help get them set up with easy-to-remember usernames and passwords.
7.Preservation of memories
Tablets and mobile phones can create everlasting memories for older people by storing photos, videos and stories all in one safe space. This will enable your loved one to get connected with their past and reminisce about happy times spent with family and friends, thereby fostering a sense of continuity and connection.
8.Safety and Security
The internet can enhance safety and security for seniors through emergency call features, medical alert systems, home monitoring devices, and online communities that provide support and assistance in times of need.
9.Social Engagement
The internet can facilitate social interaction and community engagement for older people through online forums, virtual clubs, interest groups, and social networking sites, providing opportunities to get connected with like-minded individuals and participate in meaningful activities.
10.Empowerment and Independence
Introducing the internet to elderly loved ones empowers them to take control of their lives, make informed decisions, and maintain a sense of independence and autonomy in their daily activities, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.
For older people in general, but especially for those living on their own, the internet can be a genuine lifeline. Its biggest benefit is that it can simplify and speed up communication with family and friends; but it can also enhance their sense of self-worth by offering them opportunities to inform, educate and entertain themselves. Beyond that it can broaden their social horizons and rekindle their sense of community.
Helping your elderly loved to get connected to the internet and providing them with a computer tablet to access it could prove to be one of the best things you could possibly do for them.
