Churchill’s Guide to Essential Digital Skills for Seniors

Your digital walletWhile it’s always useful to have your cards to hand, it’s easy to misplace them and having an alternative option removes the worry. According to thePayments Market Report, around 43% of adults still don’t use their smartphone’s digital wallet, but it’s a handy tool. An e-wallet lets you store your payment details securely on your device and make electronic payments. It’s secure, simple to use and easy for you to monitor, often requiring a fingerprint, password or facial recognition to authorise transactions. You can also link it to your banking app and set up spending alerts, so you always have oversight of how it’s used. Access healthcare conveniently, with:Online doctor’s appointment bookingIf you’re registered with a UK GP, you can skip the morning call queue by booking appointments through theNHS App. Age UK offers a helpfulguide for setting up the NHS appon your device. First,create an accountvia the website andverify your identitywith a photo ID. Once registered with your local practice, you can book, cancel or rearrange appointments,order repeat prescriptionsand receive reminders. It’s free to use and well worth downloading to your device. Digital services to monitor your healthAs we get older, staying in tune with our bodies helps us notice when something might need checking. Whether you use a wearable device, like anApple Watch,FitbitorOura Ring, or track activity through your phone, monitoring your step count, heart rate and sleep can help you stay consistent and spot changes. These tools don’t replace seeing a doctor, but they can help you make more informed decisions about your health. Travel flexibly via public transport, with:Train service planning appsIf you travel by train, several apps make it easier to plan and book journeys. You can buy tickets in advance, apply discounts and travel passes, and get live updates on delays or cancellations. The TrainlineandTransPennine Expressare two popular options in the UK. With Trainline, you can also store yourOver 60s rail card, so everything is ready to show when you travel. Just download the app and follow the setup steps. Bus route planning appsBus apps vary by location, but theFirst Busapp offers a comprehensive service in many areas. You can search your destination, view available routes and check walking times to nearby stops. While many buses nowuse tap-on, tap-off payments with a debit card, you can also buy tickets in advance through the app and scan them when you board.