Older people in Glasgow invited to improve their online skills over a cuppa

dailyrecord.co.uk:

BT is inviting older people in Glasgow to improve their digital skills over a cup of tea or coffee in the city centre from Wednesday, October 4 until Friday, October 6.Aimed at people aged 65 or above, the free sessions will offer support on how to get things done safely online, and help with using different digital devices.The sessions will be held at Café Fame on Hope Street in the centre of Glasgow, with the café turned into the ‘BTea Room’ over three days.

BT will be offering free food, tea and coffee to those who come along and take part.Hosted in partnership between BT and UK charity AbilityNet, tech experts will be on hand to offer advice to older people, from complete beginners to those looking to increase their confidence online.They’ll offer support from the basics of carrying out everyday tasks, to support on specific devices and how the internet can help older people socialise and stay in touch with friends and family.

A key focus of the training will be on online safety and avoiding scams.The charity Centre for Ageing Better says that although internet use is still increasing among 55 to 74-year-olds, the growth is slowing and there are still more than three million people aged 55 and over who have never used the internet.

The charity's latest State of Ageing report finds that, while eight in ten people aged 65 and over now have internet access, only six in ten have the skills to be able to access the internet independently.