In recent years, it’s become simpler and easier for seniors to browse the internet.
According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 59% of seniors use the internet regularly. It’s a convenient way to keep in touch with family and friends, utilize it for banking and personal bills, and to find useful information such as the article you’re reading now. In fact, the Gerontological Society of America found that using the internet can actually reduce depression in seniors, connecting them to others in very positive ways.
Unfortunately, the internet is not always a safe place to be. There are 4 basic guidelines to follow that will help protect you!
Basic Security
Your installed operating systems, internet browser, and user software must be continually updated to not only ensure that programs function properly but also as a safeguard against possible threats. Computers should also have recommended anti-virus, anti-malware, and anti-spyware software installed as a safety precaution. Households using wireless technology or external hard drives should also implement password options for their software.
Email and other online accounts must be secured with strong passwords. Creating phrases that combine upper and lowercase letters in addition to numbers and symbols enhance security by making them virtually impossible to hack. That means you don’t want a password composed of your pet’s name and your birth year! It’s also very helpful to use different passwords for different accounts. To help remember your passwords, write them down and store them somewhere secure.
Fraud Alerts
Beware of emails or messages that claim you won a contest or a lottery in which you never entered. Other scams include unscrupulous individuals claiming to be a relative in need of money or someone requesting assistance with fund transfers. Be on the lookout for obviously misspelled words and grammatical errors that often indicate scammers from a foreign country.
Other signs of fraud include urgent messages from seemingly authentic institutions or organizations. Never supply anyone with financial information, passwords, names, addresses, social security numbers or other personal information. If you’ve been contacted by someone that looks like they work at your bank, for example, but they’re asking for your social security number, beware! An official organization will already have this information and would not need to ask for it.
As a rule of thumb, avoid opening emails from addresses you don’t recognize and people you don’t know personally.
Online Purchases
While looking to book a trip or make a purchase, you may stumble across a deal that seems too good to be true. It probably is. Buying and selling online is a great way to shop, especially if you have physical limitations. Just make sure you choose a reputable vendor. Ask your friends and family where they shop online, or if they know of a certain website you’re considering using. You can also do an internet search for online reviews from others.
When you make transactions online and use personal information that requires the transfer of funds, make sure that the site has indications that it is secure. Legitimate sites commonly feature security emblems and privacy notices. Many have https addresses that include a closed padlock next to the site address. Never enter personal information on pop-up windows.
The internet is a useful resource for seniors, but you need to be equipped with the right knowledge beforehand. Apply these principles and you can enjoy your time online while also staying safe!
It’s important for people of all ages to get regular physical activity. Countless studies have shown its positive effects on physical, mental, and emotional health. However, as you age, you might face concerns about injury. You might also wonder what sorts of activities are feasible for you. But staying fit doesn’t need to mean hours at the gym lifting weights! The important thing is to be moving around as much as possible, and to reduce the time you’re sitting.
Despite many people’s assumptions, growing older doesn’t mean that you’re no longer able to drive safely. However, at a certain point it’s a subject you’ll need to think about. There are several questions you should pose to yourself. Let’s go over them so that you can prepare for the future while easing your mind about this important subject.
The realm of dating and romantic relationships can be a tricky one for those in their golden years. If you’re single or widowed, you may have considered the prospect of dating but feel unsure for a number of reasons. Here are some questions you might ask yourself:
While changes that occur with age may prevent your life from being what it was in your younger years, there’s a lot you can do to improve your health and longevity and reduce your risk for physical and mental disability as you get older.
All aspects of planning for your future are important, but considering your financial choices should be one of your top priorities. Some put it off, thinking, “There’s still plenty of time.” However, it’s never too early to deliberate the options you have, make a plan, set goals, and be prepared.
Many families want to avoid talking about end-of-life matters. This is understandable, as it’s a weighty subject with a variety of emotions attached to it. Parents feel resistant to the idea that they are closer to facing this. Children and other relatives are saddened and worried by what the future holds for their loved one. However, it’s a conversation that can’t be sidestepped. Facing it head on with a frank attitude will help your family come to terms with it sooner.
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 05-3452 August 2005. Reprinted April 2010.) 
