The Internet can be a fun and exciting place for seniors. Whether they’re using social media or shopping online, there are several activities for them to explore. However, it’s important to protect them and keep them safe from the potential harms of online surfing. Anchorage home care experts recommend a few simple tips to keep your loved one away from the dangers of the Internet.
Explain the Dangers
Have a conversation with your loved one about the types of risks he or she may encounter on the Internet. If your loved one is fairly technology-savvy, talk to him or her about phishing, malware, and identity theft. If your loved one doesn’t know much about the web, teach him or her the basics and encourage him or her to come to you with specific concerns or if something just doesn’t feel right.
Get Software for Protection
A good virus protection program is essential for helping your loved one avoid downloading malware or files containing viruses. Most antivirus programs run unobtrusively in the background and require limited input from users, which is great for seniors. Occasionally check your loved one’s computer to make sure the software is functioning and has up-to-date definitions, and consider running a full system scan.
Encourage Self-Education
Recognizing risky information online can be challenging. Thankfully, there are great resources out there for educating seniors, including local libraries, which will likely offer classes, brochures, and books on the topic. If your loved one enjoys reading, encourage him or her to invest a little time in digital literacy and stay cautious of misleading online medical or financial advice and fake news.
Help Keep Their Personal Information Safe
Some seniors find it tempting to enter contests or sweepstakes or sign up for free products, newsletters, or services. While many of these may be legitimate, your loved one should be extremely cautious about providing personal information online. Providing the information to the wrong person or website can have serious consequences, from receiving spam emails to identity theft. Encourage your loved one to consult you before making any online purchase or subscription decisions.
If you want to learn more about keeping your loved one safe from the dangers of the Internet, or if he or she needs a professional home caregiver to assist with household tasks, get in touch with Home Care Assistance today. We provide hourly and live-in care as well as comprehensive stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s care. Anchorage seniors and their families rely on us for their elder home care needs. To find out more about our in-home care services and how we can help your loved one live a happier and healthier life, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (907) 770-0907.