Aging Online

 

I read an article recently about some things becoming only available online and how that can present a problem for the elderly.  Both because they may not have access to a computer but also because they may not be adept at using the computer and the internet.

(Certainly when I go the library the public computers are always busy and often have people waiting for a time slot.  However, it's not always easy for the elderly to get to a library, and personally when I am out in the world doing something like self-checking out groceries I can literally feel the impatience of the person behind me in line wanting the old fart to hurry up and get out of the way.  Which makes it harder to focus on what I am doing so I don't make mistakes.)

I have a friend who is a few years older than me and is finding it increasingly difficult to manage.  She has a computer but is not that comfortable dealing with business type things online - she has continued to use paper as much as possible but is finding that is less and less an acceptable way to function in the world.

I am managing better because I used a computer all day in my job for the last ten years or so of my working life, and I have a friend who is computer savvy and is very good about answering questions for me.

But, while I am managing to do my banking, bills, taxes etc online I have to admit that I approach these things with a bit of apprehension.  I  often find myself feeling a bit panicky and unsure in case I mess up.  I often feel as though I am at the extreme upper end of my competence.   Like many seniors I feel less sure of myself as I age and the world now is changing so quickly.