Best guide for seniors taking the digital plunge?

"Oh, go on ... lets "poke" Marge."

The need to get my mum to use a computer and online was the original inspiration for this post. Indeed I realised how massive the need is to train older computer-newbie’s. So, without thinking of the marketing potential for once (stop being so cynical all the time), here is why I think this is crucial. And please take the time to share the great link I found to the relatives you want to help take the digital plunge.

Indeed, nearly two thirds of the 9.2 million people in the UK who have never been on-line are over 65. Yes, we all have relatives who are definitely NOT silver surfers and never used a computer. As more and more services become mainly on-line such as travel and banking, not to mention the boost in inter-generation communication, getting the senior trained up to online is critical. And when mobility becomes an issue, Internet is more than ever a window to the rest of the world. Still not convinced: check out the huge number of “Computing for Senior” guides which have appeared recently in bookshops. So it is easy to see that this reflects a massive need for easy first steps for seniors to go online.

And the solution might be right under our noses: the BBC recently launched its awareness campaign to get seniors to embrace the digital and get connected. The campaign called “First Click” featured extensive coverage on the BBC TV, Radio and Online platforms. Check out the TV spot I inserted below.

More importantly it links to a great number of well-designed tutorial and exercise for both computer and internet beginners. I would really like to congratulate all the great people at Webwise and the BBC for a fantastic and free tool. So, put your favourite relative in front of a computer and check the links below.

Some great links from the BBC’s website :
- BBC’s learning center for digital beginners
- Interactive guide to computer basics
- Interactive guide to Internet basics
- Ultimate print guide for complete beginners

First-click advert clip :