How to be more tech savvy in later life

Collaborative Post | With the constant release of new, advanced technology, using certain devices can become daunting as you age. You don't need to master your knowledge of new, complex developments in AI and computing power. A few simple, everyday tools can make a real difference in your life.
 
If you're interested in becoming more confident with technology, here are some tips on the basics, from staying in touch with family to online food shopping.

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

Learn the basics

Using the internet can make managing your finances and shopping much easier. Nearly every business that sells goods and services, from supermarkets to bookstores, has an online website which you can use to place orders. You can have them delivered directly to your home or opt for 'click and collect' to pick them up in-store.
 
Your banks have websites and phone apps to help you access your accounts, transfer money to family members and between your accounts, check your balance and statements whenever you want, and set up or cancel direct debits.

Keep in touch with others

Through apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, as well as email, you don't need to rely on expensive phone calls to talk to friends and family living abroad. You can use them on your phone, laptop, or PC for free to send messages, make phone calls, or video calls.
 
Your Wi-Fi connection will make a significant difference in the quality of your online calls, with faster broadband leading to fewer disruptions and a clearer line, as well as a smoother web browsing experience. Shop around for fibre broadband deals that provide a better connection for your home.

Attend classes or workshops

If you're unsure about how to use your PC or phone, whether it's to write a document and save it in a folder or to distinguish between legitimate and scam emails and texts, there are plenty of classes available.
 
They could be at a local school, community centre or online via virtual meeting tools like Microsoft Teams. Professionals will help you advance your digital skills and master the basics, giving you a structured programme and answers to all your questions.

Ask for help

Don't feel like you need to keep quiet and figure everything out on your own. Learning from friends and family firsthand can make it easier to understand, so don't hesitate to ask them questions.
 
The team at your local computer repair shop will be tech-savvy and can help make tasks you thought were complex come naturally to you. You can also type into Google to get a detailed response, thanks to its AI overview, which searches the internet to compile an answer for you.
 

Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.