Internet Security and Online Safety tips for Older People.

Older People Online - Poke Fun & They'll Get You Back

You often see posts online about how “bad” senior citizens are with technology, or something “hilarious” about how your Gran or Grandad can’t use their smartphone, or basically how older people “fail” at the internet.

LinkedIn - A platform for professionals not party photos

OK, sometimes these posts are funny, but senior citizens aren’t the only ones who have the occasional faux pas online. Just check out some of the profile pictures for some younger people looking for jobs on LinkedIn, like the ones where they are a bit under the weather, in a nightclub with drink in hand (always a winner when you’re looking for work).

Hanging out dirty laundry - don't do it!

It’s not always older people who don’t know how to use apps either. Sometimes the not so old share a post they didn’t mean to or message the date they were giving out about. Older people could also tell you a thing or two about oversharing or airing your dirty laundry online. Either way, it's older people who look like they may get a bit too much fun poked at them online. It's not particularly fair and it's also just that tiny bit patronising. 

The Digital Generation

The digital generation is a group of people who have touchscreens, photo apps, selfies, and share culture from birth. Literally from birth.

Older people in the 21st century embrace technology like nobody else. It should be alien, but pensioners, retirees and some early retirees have no fear of the online world. They go for it. They go for it without the fear of looking uncool, overweight or drab. Basically, the older you get, the more fun the internet is.

Poke fun at older people online at your peril

Your Gran is actually making fun of you online. She's seen you laugh at her posts and she's going to share photos of you when you were being narky at 13. It's not accidental. She doesn't care if you post "embarrassing" things about her. She's not bothered. Your Grandad isn't embarrassed either. He's fine with telling everyone how much he loves you and how proud he is.

He's happy in his skin. They've been through it. If you give out about something online, you can be damn sure your parents or grandparents or older sages in your life will give you advice online, in front of everyone. Poke fun at older people online at your peril.

If you are a senior citizen, it turns out that you are really good at adopting new technologies. You’ve seen more technological change than most people could only imagine. If you were born before 1950, you’ve adapted to a host of changes so far, moving from telex to smartphones and fax machines to Facebook; it’s fair to say that the change in communications has been rapid, especially over the last 20 years.

Chances are you probably now use online banking, can Skype the kids and grandkids in far flung places or have connected with long lost friends online. So if you are in the slightly older category – that’s older not old and use technology every day, maybe all you need to do is make sure that you’re following some good tips about internet security, online privacy and unsolicited emails or contact online.

At BeSecureOnline we’ve come up with a few.

Online Safety and Security Tips

• Passwords ­– spend some time to make sure your passwords are secure and strong. Stay away from using your date of birth or 12345! Make it something you remember, but which isn’t obvious to others.

• Privacy Settings – if you are using social media, make sure to go to the settings page so you can decide on the privacy level you want. Who do you want to see your posts? You may not want people seeing your date of birth or other details.

• Don’t Click on Links in “bank” emails – your bank will not send you an email asking you for your personal details or your bank number. If they really are your bank, they already know these details. If in doubt, ring them.

• Competitions – do not enter a competition which asks for money or for details which are personal.

• Online Shopping – stick to tried and trusted websites. Double check that the website isn’t fake. If it looks strange, it may well be fake. Online offers which are true good to be true usually are just that.    

• Unexpected Emails or Phonecalls ­– If you get an email claiming to be from govt. agencies or requesting bill payment, look at it carefully. Does the email address look odd? Double check that this is not a scam.

• Online Vouchers – if you are buying a restaurant voucher, for example, double check the terms and conditions and the expiry date. A lot of good offers online have a short timeframe in which to use the offer.

• Online Banking ­­ - keep an eye on your account. If you see a transaction you don’t remember making, check with your bank.

• Use a Spam Filter ­– this will help avoid endless unwanted emails.

• Use Good Internet Software - make sure you have anti-virus and security on your PC, laptop, tablet and/or phone, to keep you protected online.   

BeSecureOnline - Internet Safety Talks and Internet Security Software UK

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