Spotlight: Building IT Skills
Published on 13 November 2019 06:38 PM
By Age UK Islington Volunteer, Simon Alexander
The Post Office this year says 39% of us over the age of 65 did not feel confident using smartphones. These days there is more pressure to go on-line to pay bills, make appointments, talk to the Council etc. The good side is that we can order food on line, have more control over our health appointments, do shopping, and then there is the wonder of apps like Facetime and Whats app. It makes it possible to speak face to face with friends and family far away or if it is difficult to get out and about these apps can help us to stay more in contact. Yes, we can always make a phone call but the apps can make conversations free and we can see each other whilst talking!
Yusuf, who has been attending the series of weekly IT classes at Age UK Islington, over the past month, says he “likes browsing, learning to use an iPhone, iPad and getting to know what the symbols mean to do different things. I am learning how to buy things online, he says, watch out for scams and be careful not to give out personal information.
“The computer will correct my spelling, which is a bonus. Today’s session was interesting about the padlocks to make sure a site is safe to use, and the basics of online shopping.
“I have been going to activities at Age UK Islington for quite a few years, ever since I was encouraged to join in. I had less confidence then. I have attended art, IT, photography and other Get Together sessions which I've really enjoyed."
If you want to gain digital confidence why not try one of our monthly drop-in IT support Get Togethers? Bring your smartphone, tablet, laptop and your questions, for one to one support. Please call 020 7281 6018 to book. Or for a full list of our Get Togethers, please click here.
First Friday of the month, 6th December, 11 – 12.30pm, IT Help with Expedia, The Angel Building, 407 St John Street, EX1V 4EX.
Last Thursday of the month, 28th November, 5.15 – 7pm, Costa Coffee, 382 Holloway Road, N7 6PN
Tuesday 12th November, 17th December, 11 – 12.30pm, Almeida Theatre Coffee morning with IT Support, Almeida Street, N1 1TA.
(Ref AgeUK web Helping older people gain digital confidence Post Office Broadband Sep 2019 39% >65yrs