Nearly half of over-65s feel 'uncomfortable' using the internet, study finds

dailystar.co.uk:

Hi Digital” – a programme designed to help the over-65s develop their digital skills, save money, and feel more connected. Gloria Hunniford said: “At long last, I feel incredibly lucky I’m relatively comfortable online – but I absolutely understand older people’s concerns.“There are so many benefits to taking the plunge – from making financial savings, which are so vital at the moment, to keeping in touch with loved ones and feeling less isolated.”The research found a third (34%) of over-65s who aren’t completely comfortable in an online world are more likely to feel stressed when services require a digital approach, like booking a doctor’s appointment through a website.Of those who believe they’d benefit from learning online skills, 41% feel they’ve been held back from doing so because they didn’t know where to look for help.And, according to the OnePoll study, even if they feel confident using the internet, more than a quarter (27%) still feel they’d gain something from upskilling their digital knowledge.It also emerged over half (54%) of those who have expressed doubt about fully embracing the digital world said it was due to concerns about scamming and online security.Others worry about not knowing how to fix something if it goes wrong (49%), and finding the pace at which the digital world changes too hard to keep up with (38%).Currently, only one in four (26%) feel very comfortable claiming benefits digitally, and just 45% could confidently book a doctor’s appointment or order a prescription online.Nicki Lyons, UK corporate affairs and sustainability director at Vodafone UK Foundation, said: “Our everyone.connected campaign is helping people access the connectivity, devices, and skills they need to live life to the.