Youngsters out there may feel they have a monopoly on internet usage, with their limitless Instagram selfies and favourite YouTube Vloggers, but over 50’s aren’t lagging far behind – they just hang out on different platforms.
According to Government’s Office for National Statistics (ONS), almost 80% of 55 and 64 year olds regularly use the internet for general browsing and shopping, and over half bank on line and are active on social networking sites. Moreover, a study by communications regulator, Ofcom shows that many over 50’s view being online as essential for their well-being and to keep up-to-date with today’s world.
So if you’re over 50, feel little different to the day you were 21, now’s the time to broaden your horizons and get active on the hottest websites specifically geared to the more “mature” age group.
Join A Community
Silver Surfers is the self-proclaimed “leading website for over 50’s.” And this is not just your usual lifestyle website – it’s entertaining, informative and also serves as a social network. Perhaps the best thing about Silver Surfers is its community (free to join) where once you’re a member, you can participate in forums, engage in chat rooms and even show off your creativity in “showcase”.
A great way to meet up with new people and share opinions and ideas online.
Over 50’s Dating
One in five relationships in the UK now start online and with many over 50’s single due to bereavement or divorce, online dating for the over 50’s has become big business. In fact, the over 50’s are one of the largest groups of online daters these days. If you’re interested in finding Mr Right or Little Miss/Mrs Perfect, check out the most popular dating sites for the over 50’s below:
Saga Dating Website: www.sagadating.co.uk
Muddy Matches Website:www.muddymatches.co.uk
My Lovely Parent Website: mylovelyparent.com
Telegraph Dating Website: dating.telegraph.co.uk
You’ll need to sign up to become a member and then pay around £12 per month for membership. But the partner of your dreams may be just around an online corner.
Learn Something New
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is exclusively for older people, offering opportunities to make new friends, learn new skills and share knowledge with others.
Classes are held in various locations either in a member’s home, a local library or church hall. Plus, if you’re out in the sticks, you can participate online through Virtual U3A.
Subjects that you can learn about include history, literature and language, gardening and technology skills. And it’s possible to organise a group yourself if there’s enough demand in your area for a certain subject.
It’s a great way to exercise your brain cells and make new friends to boot!
Get Qualified!
It’s never too late to get a degree, hone some skills or learn a new language – and there may be a grant or a free course to help:
- The Scholarship Search site sometimes has results for mature students
- To search for bursaries and scholarships, take a look at the Student Cash Point
- Fancy taking a course with the Open University? See the OU’s eligibility checker for grant information and any free courses (you won’t have to repay a student loan if you never earn over £21,000 – fantastic if you’re retired!)
- Check out your local college for their free numeracy and literacy courses and it’s worth looking on Learndirect and Hotcourses for other local classes.
- Learn a new language for free! You can do this online in the comfort of your own home with sites such as Duolinguo, FSI Language Courses and Busuu
Enjoy Effortlessly Healthy Mealtimes
With all that dating, social schmoozing and learning going on, how is an over 50 going to have the time to plan and shop for meals? This is where Hello Fresh comes in: healthy ingredients and easy to follow recipes delivered directly to your door on the day of your choosing.
There’s no better way to feed your body and mind with organic and locally-sourced healthy foods – and still have the time to do all the things you really want to do.
For more information on Hello Fresh, take a look at our review.
Take Care Of The Future
Let’s not spoil all the fun, but if you don’t have a Will, then get one!
Sophisticated Savers have a range of free finance guides to download, including guides on Wills. They explain the important reasons to make a Will, including reducing the heartache and burden on your loved-ones if you die intestate (without making a Will) which could see your assets go to someone you didn’t intend to have them.
At Private Client Online, you can have your Will drafted by a qualified Solicitor for £69 (joint will at £99). And because they know you want to get on with the important stuff in life, the process takes as little as 15 minutes.
As you can see, there are lots of hot websites specifically designed for the over 50’s. You can make the best decision of your life in making a Will, you can create a whole new circle of friends and perhaps a partner if that’s what you wish – and you can make yourself healthier than you’ve ever been with great food.
So what are you waiting for?
