Internet Safety Tips for Aging Adults

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How to Keep Seniors Safe from the Dangers of the Internet in Edmonton, AB

Some seniors enjoy spending a lot of time on the internet. Browsing the web and socializing online can boost their moods and brighten their days. However, the internet also has a few risks and dangers. Here are a few ways your senior loved one can stay safe from the dangers of the internet. 

Make Passwords Stronger

Many seniors don’t know they’re specifically targeted by cybercriminals who already have at least some information about them. With basic data such as a senior’s date of birth or the name of the street he or she grew up on, a criminal can easily break into an account. Your loved one should create passwords using a jumbled mixture of letters and numbers. The password hints should be as obscure as possible and shouldn’t contain any data that can be easily found on Facebook or another social media site.

A home caregiver can monitor your loved one’s safety when you need to take a break from your caregiving duties. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Edmonton respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities. 

Don’t Share Personal Information Online

Many seniors aren’t familiar with the idea of permanent access to personal information. If something is put on the internet, it could be there for the rest of your loved one’s life. As a general rule, your loved one should assume any personal data or pictures he or she puts on social networking sites can be accessed by anyone from anywhere in the world.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, his or her online activity may need to be supervised closely, and a home caregiver can help. Families looking for top-rated homecare providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

Be Wary of Common Online Scams

Your loved one has probably heard about scams like the fake wealthy relative who wants to wire money to his or her account. However, scams have become much more difficult to detect than in the past. For example, some scams involve fake websites designed to look like reputable ones, such as those operated by banks. Your loved one should know to check the web address carefully when conducting important business online. 

Look for Red Flags in Emails

Emails are used to scam thousands of people every day, which is why your loved one needs to be on the lookout for certain red flags that indicate an email might be spam. In most situations, your loved one shouldn’t open an email if he or she doesn’t recognize the sender. If your loved one does receive an email from an acquaintance but the content seems unusual, he or she should call the person to verify what it means. 

Using the internet safely is just one of the issues aging adults must navigate in today’s modern world. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Edmonton families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.

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