CHALLENGE - We all need a bit of a helping hand in this new digital world

Accelerated by the pandemic, so much of getting things done in today’s world is via digital. Sadly, us senior citizens tend to fall behind in this brave new world. Our much-loved younger generation, although willing to help (sometimes), so often explain things far too fast for us to learn a new skill and we end up feeling like digital numpties! 

This is a coaching programme aimed at helping seniors understand a vital but small part of the new digital world, but more importantly to help them to find greater happiness through learning in good company with lots of laughs. Skills will grow, friendships will blossom, and we will have fun together. 

The group will decide which skills they need, but here are a few areas that would make sense to learn.

Enjoying the digital world as a senior can be greatly enhanced with a few essential skills. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Basic Computer and Internet Skills

• Navigating a computer: Understanding how to use a mouse, keyboard, and touchscreen.
• Browsing the internet: Using web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge to access information.
• Email: Sending, receiving, and organising emails.

2. Smartphone and Tablet Proficiency

• Using apps: Downloading, installing, and managing applications.
• Texting and calling: Mastering basic communication on mobile devices.

3. Social Media and Communication Tools

• Social networks: Connecting with family and friends on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Video calling: Using services like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime for virtual face-to-face interaction.

4. Online Shopping and Banking

• E-commerce: Safely purchasing items online from trusted websites.
• Online banking: Managing finances, paying bills, and transferring money securely.

5. Cybersecurity Awareness

• Recognising scams: Identifying phishing emails and fake websites.
• Password management: Creating strong passwords and using password managers.

6. Digital Entertainment

• Streaming services: Accessing movies, TV shows, and music on platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube.
• E-books and audiobooks: Using Kindle or Audible for digital reading.

7. Health and Wellness

• Telemedicine: Setting up and attending virtual doctor appointments.
• Health apps: Tracking fitness, medications, and health metrics.

These skills can significantly enhance the digital experience and open up new opportunities for engagement, learning, and entertainment. 

MY CHALLENGE

I am a retired trainer and coach and love helping people learn and enjoy new things. In 2024 I was lucky enough to be given the chance to help set up two groups playing pickleball. One group was a U3A group and the second group was for a bunch of my friends who fancied trying out pickleball on a Sunday. The end result is over thirty people are now loving playing the game. They are getting good exercise and meeting up with a lovely friendly bunch of people. MAGIC!!!

I started my working life and qualified as an accountant. In my career, starting with hand written ledgers and £ S P currency. Then the mainframe computer came along and life changed. Then along came personal computers that could do a lot of processing and hey, they could talk to one another. As an accountant and then a trainer I have always been involved with changes to the various businesses that I worked for. As computing evolved, so did my know-how and ability to help others accept and embrace these technological transformations. I retired at the end of 2009, continuing to run my training business Release the Magic for 10 years. During this time for my business I used Microsoft Office 365 and fell in love with everything Apple. 

I have totally embraced the new digital world. Via my iPhone I read my newspapers, check the weather and make plans. I navigate everywhere using Apple Carplay and my iPhone. I listen to Apple music, I exercise using my Apple watch and I monitor (with mild interest and certainly not obsessively) my weight (with a smart scale) and sleep via (my watch and ..) the health app. I book air and rail tickets, Uber for short journeys, and theatre tickets online and they all are neatly digitally dropped into my Apple Wallet. I book restaurants that I have checked out on TripAdvisor through various apps. I use reminders for my shopping list and notes for my recipes and other material. I use SimpleMind for mind maps and Ordinance Survey app for walks. I take thousands of photos each year and share them using Google Photos. I use banking apps, shopping apps, game apps, messaging apps and I have just bought a plug in MG hybrid car, so I have a new set of apps to master.

....and there is more, as I am super excited to be regularly using AI ... BUT you get the picture that I have totally embraced this new and exciting digital life.

I turned 80 in 2024 which does make me unusual (weird you might be thinking) but maybe I can help a few of my tribe of seniors to overcome some of the fears and other barriers. If some of the seniors who are struggling could, in a gently and friendly way, learn a few important digital skills. I'm sure that would enrich their lives.

I would like to be that trainer, coach and friend but not too sure of how to go about it. What I plan to do is start with a small group of friends and run a pilot group. Plus, I will set up a WhatsApp Community just to share hints and tips that could be of interest to my tribe. Each time I post on the blog I could alert those interested and provide a link to the post.

Lets see what happens during 2025???