Embracing the Digital Age: A Technology Guide for Retirees

Digital skills aren't about age — they're about confidence and practice. And retirement is actually the perfect time to learn, because you finally have the time to explore without pressure.

Richard B - Founder, Next Chapter Living

9/2/20265 min read

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile

Embracing the Digital Age: A Technology Guide for Retirees

If you grew up in a world without the internet, it's easy to feel like technology has left you behind. But here's the truth: digital skills aren't about age — they're about confidence and practice. And retirement is actually the perfect time to learn, because you finally have the time to explore without pressure.

Technology can make your retirement easier, more connected, and more enjoyable. From video calling the grandchildren to managing your finances online, from discovering new hobbies on YouTube to booking travel at the best prices — digital skills open doors.

This guide covers everything you need to know to feel confident in the digital world.

Getting Started: The Essentials

Choose the right device. You don't need the most expensive device — you need one that suits you.

  • Tablet (iPad or Android tablet): Often the best choice for beginners — large screen, easy to hold, touchscreen is intuitive. Great for video calls, browsing, reading, and games

  • Smartphone: Essential for staying connected on the go. If you find the screen too small, consider a "phablet" (larger phone) or pair it with a tablet

  • Laptop or desktop: Best if you want to write, manage finances in detail, or do creative work like photo editing

Setting up your device safely:

  • Create a strong password or PIN — at least 6 digits or a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols

  • Enable automatic updates — these protect you from security threats

  • Install a reputable antivirus programme if using a Windows computer (Windows Defender is built in and free)

  • Turn on "Find My Device" so you can locate a lost phone or tablet

Staying Safe Online

Online safety is the number one concern for most retirees — and rightly so. But with a few simple habits, you can protect yourself effectively.

Recognise scams and phishing:

  • The golden rule: If something seems too good to be true, it is

  • Never click links in unexpected emails or text messages — go directly to the website instead

  • Banks and HMRC will NEVER ask for your full password, PIN, or card details by email or phone

  • Be suspicious of urgency — scammers create panic ("your account will be closed in 24 hours")

  • Check sender email addresses carefully — scammers use addresses that look almost right (e.g., "paypa1.com" instead of "paypal.com")

Protect your accounts:

  • Use a different password for each important account (email, banking, shopping)

  • Consider a password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password) — it remembers all your passwords so you only need to remember one

  • Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your email and bank accounts — it adds an extra layer of security by sending a code to your phone

  • Never share your passwords with anyone, no matter who they claim to be

Safe online shopping:

  • Stick to well-known retailers (Amazon, Argos, M&S, John Lewis) or sites recommended by people you trust

  • Look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar — it means the connection is secure

  • Pay by credit card for purchases over £100 — you get extra protection under the Consumer Credit Act

  • Check reviews before buying from an unfamiliar site

  • Use PayPal where possible — it hides your card details from the seller

Staying Connected with Family and Friends

Technology has transformed how we stay in touch. You can see your grandchildren's faces every day, even if they live on the other side of the country.

Video calling:

  • WhatsApp: Free video and voice calls — the most popular choice. Works on phones, tablets, and computers. Easy to set up with just a phone number

  • FaceTime: Built into Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) — no setup needed if you both have Apple devices

  • Zoom: Great for group calls — used by many clubs and organisations. Free for calls up to 40 minutes

  • Facebook Messenger: Video calls through Facebook — handy if you already use Facebook

Tips for great video calls:

  • Sit facing a window or light source so your face is well-lit

  • Hold the device at eye level rather than looking down at it

  • Use headphones if the other person has trouble hearing you

  • Keep the camera steady — prop the device on a table or stand

Sharing photos and updates:

  • Create a private WhatsApp group for your family to share photos and updates

  • Use Google Photos to create shared photo albums — family members can add photos too

  • Consider a Facebook account — it's a great way to see what family and friends are up to

Managing Your Finances Online

Online banking is one of the most useful digital skills for retirees. You can check balances, pay bills, transfer money, and monitor your pension — all from home, at any time.

Getting started with online banking:

  • Your bank's website or app will have step-by-step instructions for setting up online access

  • You'll typically need your account details and a debit card to get started

  • If you're nervous, visit your bank branch and ask them to help you set it up — they're always happy to help

  • Start with simple tasks: checking your balance, viewing recent transactions

  • Build up to paying bills, setting up direct debits, and transferring money

Budgeting apps:

  • Your bank's own app often has built-in budgeting tools — showing where your money goes each month

  • Money Dashboard and Emma are free apps that bring all your accounts together in one view

  • A simple spreadsheet also works well if you're comfortable with one

Discovering New Hobbies and Learning Online

The internet is an incredible resource for retirees. You can learn almost anything, for free, at your own pace.

YouTube is your friend:

  • Learn to paint, cook, play guitar, garden, or fix things around the house

  • Follow along with exercise videos — yoga, Tai Chi, seated exercises, or dance

  • Watch documentaries on any subject imaginable

  • Tip: Search for "beginner" plus whatever you want to learn (e.g., "watercolour painting for beginners")

Online courses:

  • FutureLearn: Free courses from UK universities on everything from history to health

  • Coursera: University courses from around the world — many are free to audit

  • U3A Online: Specifically designed for older learners — short, friendly courses

  • BBC Bitesize: Simple, clear explanations of topics from computers to nature

Reading and news:

  • Borrow e-books and audiobooks from your local library — free with your library card (ask at your library about BorrowBox or Libby)

  • Subscribe to digital newspapers — often cheaper than print

  • Listen to podcasts on any topic — BBC Sounds is a great place to start

Useful Apps for Everyday Life

  • Google Maps: Navigation, finding local businesses, checking opening hours

  • BBC Weather: Reliable forecasts so you can plan your day

  • Trainline: Book train tickets and check live times (use with your Senior Railcard for discounts)

  • Too Good To Go: Get reduced-price food from local restaurants and shops that would otherwise be thrown away

  • NHS App: Book GP appointments, order prescriptions, access your medical records

  • Parkmobile: Pay for parking without needing cash or a ticket machine

Where to Get Help

If you're not confident with technology, that's completely normal — and there's plenty of help available:

  • Age UK: Offers free IT training in many areas — call 0800 169 2081 to find out what's available near you

  • Your local library: Many libraries offer free computer and internet courses for adults

  • Online centres: The Good Things Foundation runs Online Centres across the UK providing free digital skills training

  • Family and friends: Don't be embarrassed to ask — most people are happy to help, and you'll learn faster with someone patient

  • YouTube: Search "how to..." plus whatever you're stuck on — there's almost certainly a video showing exactly how to do it

You've Got This

Technology isn't a young person's game — it's a curious person's game. And curiosity doesn't have an age limit. Start with one thing — video calling family, or online banking, or watching YouTube tutorials — and build from there. Every new skill you learn makes the next one easier.

Next steps: