Gloria Hunniford

Older people who have reservations about using the internet could be losing almost £1,000 a year by not being computer savvy, according to a new study released today.With nearly half (45%) of Brits over 65 admitting they don’t feel completely comfortable going online, and the cost-of-living crisis set to deepen this autumn, new research by Vodafone suggests many older people could face a further squeeze on their living standards due to concerns about using the internet to shop around for the best deals or pay for goods and services.Over 65s who are not fully at ease using the internet could be forking out an extra £97 on clothes, £158 on entertainment services, £184 on travel and missing out on £156 of state entitlements - adding up to a potential loss of £909 per person each year.Importantly, the implications aren’t solely financial. The research also highlighted that two-fifths (42%) of pensioners who have reservations about going online feel forgotten when ‘digital first' is the default option while 38% are more likely to feel stressed when services require an online action, such as booking a doctor’s appointment via a website. Two-fifths (39%) in this group felt they’d been prevented from improving their digital skills because they didn’t know where to look for help. And of those who already felt very comfortable online, more than a quarter (27%) said they would benefit from learning new digital skills.  Consumer champion Gloria Hunniford has teamed up with Vodafone UK Foundation and leading charity Independent Age to launch Hi Digital, a programme designed to help the over 65s develop their digital skills, save money, and feel more connected.Hi Digital is an online resource that offers step-by-step advice on digital essentials such as using a search engine, online shopping, accessing news and keeping in touch with family and friends.Other key findings from the study show that half (54%) of those who expressed some doubts about fully embracing the digital world said this was due to concern about scams and online security; 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%).Traditional chores for over 65s could be revolutionised through the internet; however, currently, only a quarter (26%) feel very comfortable claiming benefits digitally and less than a half (45%) say they are very comfortable booking a doctor’s appointment or ordering a prescription online.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.