Study: More seniors are online, but many say they’re not confident about it

PHOENIX — More seniors are using the Internet than ever before but many still say they still don’t feel proficient in their tech skills, according to a recent Pew Research Center study.

“We know from the Pew Research study that 67% of seniors use the Internet and that’s a 55% increase in just 20 years,” Susan Anable with Cox Communications told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday. “But, 35% of the seniors that were survey say they have no confidence in their ability to use the devices to perform online tasks.”

Unfortunately, the naivete can lead to falling victim to common Internet pitfalls.

Some of the issues Anable is warning others against include passwords, social media etiquette and even tips and tricks to make screens more accessible, like enlarging text.

“There are definitely some tips and pointers we would pass along to them,” Anable said. “Choosing unique passwords that only they would know and making sure their device remembers it. Making sure that they’re not doing things like personal shopping or online banking while they’re on a public Wi-Fi network.”

Cox Communications is working on a program to help elevate some of the tech trepidation with older folks.

She said their “Grandstories” campaign aims to connect older people with younger people who can walk them through how to use technology.

“It’s a technology that they’re not growing up with, our kids have grown-up with this technology but our seniors haven’t,” Anable said. “Part of it is just helping them understand that there are safe ways connect online.”

While it can be tough to initiate the conversation with older folks and it can be hard to teach loved ones something new there are more tips and tricks click here.

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