They say youth is wasted on the young. Is that true of the internet as well? Ok, perhaps “wasted” is a tad strong, but the point stands: There are several internet applications and resources that seniors can benefit from – especially those with mobility issues.
Online services have made several significant strides in the past couple of decades, and many of these advancements replace the need for overlong, laborious trips out of the house. Below, let’s look at four things that seniors can accomplish with a few clicks of the mouse.
Get a tech-savvy family member to help you through the process, or simply do some internet sleuthing yourself to capitalize on these virtual services.
Manage Your Finances
Everyone remembers a time when banking meant heading down to the local branch to queue alongside neighbours — everyone, that is, except for young folks.
The bulk of contemporary banking occurs online these days. Most older adults already know this, but consider this affirming advice for the few hold-outs among this article's readership. Modern online banking is safe (provided you have a strong password and security questions) and relatively straightforward. It saves paper (a plus for the environment) and saves you the hassle of having to head to the bank.
Additionally, you can monitor your retirement savings, set up automatic transfers, and manage investments all from the comfort of your home. Keeping track of these financial aspects online ensures that you can stay on top of your retirement planning without any stress.
Get Legal Advice
Online legal services have taken off in the past few years. You can now find professional lawyers online who will guide you through a myriad of legal circumstances. You can complete your will online, probate a will, refinance your mortgage and appoint a power of attorney, among many other things.
Best of all, virtual lawyers are more affordable than their physical counterparts. They often offer the best available rate that’s pre-determined and fixed. Further, several virtual lawyers are open seven days a week, including evenings.
Keep Your Mind Sharp
Research shows that keeping your brain active with puzzles, games, learning tasks, etc., can help forestall mental decline, including dementia. The study, linked above, followed nearly 3,000 seniors over ten years, a third of whom were offered computerized brain training. Instances of cognitive decline were fewer in this “computer game” group. Of those in the group who did suffer a decline, the onset happened later on average than in other groups.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of fun, stimulating brain games online. You can follow this link to start – it’s a list of brain training websites put together by Verywell Mind.
See a Virtual Doctor
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 84% of physicians offered virtual visits. And in the months since the pandemic’s peak, telehealth has grown an estimated 34 times compared to February 2020. That’s all to say: Chances are, your physician probably also offers virtual visits.
Ask your doctor about virtual visits – whether they are suitable for you and how best to go about them. You may still need to see your doctor in person for certain issues (as everyone must), but for minor consultations, you can save yourself the trip.
The computer can’t replace an energizing breath of fresh air or a heartwarming visit from the grandkids, but it can make many of life’s everyday tasks easier. Try these four virtual services to see if they are right for you.
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