Older Adults
The internet opens doors to so much that matters: staying in touch with family through video calls, managing your finances, accessing health information, being part of communities you care about. But it can also feel risky. You've heard the stories about scams, identity theft, and online fraud. Silver Shieldz is our programme for older adults who want to build digital confidence and learn to navigate the internet safely, at their own pace, without jargon or judgment.
The Reality for Older Adults Online
1.83 million people aged 65 and over were scammed in the past year (VMO2 / Good Things Foundation 2025). The average loss per scam is £4,000 (Independent Age 2024). These aren't just numbers: they represent real people losing savings they can't afford to lose, and the emotional toll is often worse than the financial one.
More than 1.8 million over-65s were scammed online in the past year, losing an average of £831 each (Virgin Media O2 / Good Things Foundation, 2025). That's not because older adults aren't smart; it's because scams have become incredibly sophisticated. The good news is that most risks are preventable once you know what to look for.
What Silver Shieldz Covers
- +Spotting scams: recognising phishing emails, fake websites, suspicious phone calls, and pressure tactics designed to rush you into decisions
- +Password security and two-factor authentication: simple steps that genuinely protect your accounts
- +Online banking safely: managing your money with confidence, knowing what to look for
- +Social media and staying connected: using platforms to keep in touch with family without exposing personal information
- +AI and new technology: understanding what's changing in the digital world and why it matters to you
- +Practical troubleshooting: when something goes wrong, knowing what to do and who to contact
How We Teach
It is designed for small groups in community venues: libraries, community centres and care facilities. Comfortable pace. Time for questions. Facilitators who listen and never rush you. The aim is to meet you where you are, whether you have never used email or you are already comfortable online and want to sharpen your awareness.
The plan is single workshops of about 1.5 to 2 hours if you want to explore one topic, or a short course for people who want to go deeper. Either way there will be no test at the end. No judgement. Just practical skills you can use immediately.
Cost and Availability
Silver Shieldz is in development, planned for libraries, community centres and other familiar venues across the West Midlands, with first workshops targeted for 2027. Our community programmes are funded by what our products earn, which is why we would rather launch it properly than early. Get in touch if you run a group that would want it, and we will let you know as soon as dates are set.
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