But, what if you are not, or even don't want to be, on the internet?

At the risk of going off the original subject, FarNorth, my wife just reached 60 two months before the change in retirement age for women. However, her employer, the NHS, asked her if she would like to work on, which she agreed to do.

This somehow caused the DWP to think that she had deferred her state pension. Just as you and MissAdventure experienced, contacting them was akin to climbing Mount Everest.

What I did for her was to hand write a letter, outlining all that had occurred and asking them for a response. I put a stamped addressed envelope in with the letter and three days later they replied.

They thanked my wife for the letter, apologised for the misunderstanding and reassured her that full payment had gone into our current account.

And to bring this back on track, if I had internet banking I could have checked it out, as it was, I withdrew a mini statement from the cash machine that verified the payment.

I'm certainly not suggesting that letters are better than email but I think they picked up on my wife's concern because of the request for an answer and the supply of a stamped addressed envelope.

MissA

I can vouch for that.
Add stoney faced, unhelpfully glib staff, and it's the stuff of nightmares.

I'm horrified by the mess of the DWP, and how difficult it must be for anyone without a computer and printer.

Their methods are a mix of online, paper forms to print out and return by post, and phone calls involving waits of an hour or more to speak to someone who then usually says the system is down.

I have a relative trying to get a mistake (made by the DWP) corrected and has had to get Citizens Advice to help.

People on any sort of benefit face a nightmare situation in trying to deal with the DWP, even with a computer and being very computer literate, as my relative is.

Yes, they're all things that benefit or interest me.
The other, boring stuff? Nah.

MissAdventure
You say that you have never wanted to learn computer skills.
Your here now ? You post links ? and you sell on eBay?
I would say that they are computer skills.

My husband recently changed his car and had a tax rebate for the old one.
Despite paying the tax online originally, and the fact that refunds should be made by the same means the bill was paid, the DVLA have sent him a cheque for the refund.
So tonight he's making a special trip into town to pay it into the bank.
He thinks they do it deliberately to make it awkward for people, in the hope that some won't bother.

That's lovely.

How adorable is this woman trying to use Google?! According to her grandson Ben (who tweeted the photo), this Nan thinks that every search is fielded by an actual person, so whenever she Googles something, she never fails to use polite language when inputting her requests.

Google U.K. was even kind enough to respond on Twitter, saying, "Dearest Ben's Nan. Hope you're well. In a world of billions of Searches, yours made us smile.

My OH has never used the internet and doesnt text on his phone, this is because he struggles with literacy. He taught himself to read (basic stuff) after he left school when the teachers convinced him he was stupid! He can now read a bit but really struggles to write and as for filling in forms thats a big no no so I do all that. A friend of ours is the same and comes to me to read her letters and write anything down.
I know its different now in education but not unknown. I was in Adult education until a few years ago and came across it many times. All lot of traveller children struggle with literacy and before anyone jumps on me my OH is from that backround as the friend I mentioned before.

I recently moved house and most of the business was done on-line e.g. Solicitors/Estate Agents/Utilities etc.,

I think that the internet is a wonderful tool. I can post on GN and email friends whenever I think of them, often in the early hours. It's surprising how many other people post at odd hours.

Internet banking is very good - money is transferred from one of my accounts to another (all UK) instantly. If I check my French account and find that I need to transfer funds I can organise the transfer immediately.

I watch You tube quite a lot. Last week it was 3 different versions of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G. Other times it's Leonard Cohen, or The Traveling Wilburys or the Mavericks, whoever.

Most of all I like that I can access information quickly. You know how it is - having a discussion about films, or music and no one can remember someone's name - a few seconds and you've got the answer.

Ladymuck you were lucky that you had to wait for the repair to be made overnight. One Friday morning last year a silly man managed to cut through the overhead cable whilst tree pruning. This meant that several villages were without internet access but it also meant that over the weekend the bank cash machines couldn't dispense money, the petrol pumps wouldn't work and we could only pay for shopping with cash or a cheque. This is France and we are a little behind.

I never have wanted to learn computer skills.
My brain does the equivalent of fingers in ears and "la la la, I can't hear you" when someone mentions online things.

Well said Rufus on both accounts! You are a shining example that being over whatever age doesn't stop you learning new skills! Cheers!

Come the day when I have to use remote cameras with my doctor, there's no way I am going to show him, or the world, my haemorrhoids
Spangler And I bet he'll say "I'll drink to that!"
You need what us Oldies call a "Selfie," taken with a very remote camera because no one's going to volunteer to take the pic for you!
If you do manage it, please don't post it here. The image of your pot-belly recently still haunts me!
Btw; thank goodness spell checkers can handle "emmeroyds"
Good Health and stay away from doctors!
OoRoo

perhaps the very old eg 90+ might not have had the opportunity
Furret Hang on! How many more "verys" have you got in mind!? I'm 93, retired at 65 just when desk-top PCs were taking off and I'm still learning! Lots of opportunity and loved it; absolutely essential, particularly these days.
Good Health

I understand its necessary to have a mobile phone registered in the UK to access a UK banking app. Is this correct ?

I prefer to make the internet my friend and not my enemy. If you don't keep up with the modern world you have to take the consequences.

Doing things online is usually easier and cheaper than resisting and trying to find another way - but the longer you fight against it the harder and more frightening it becomes.

Like many people I am quite happy using the internet to book holidays and buy things from reputable companies but do not bank online. Mobile phone wise I still use a dumb phone for calls and texts which suits my needs. However I appreciate that at some time soon I will need to get a smart phone so that I can download particular apps. Many pubs/restaurants that have recently re-opened want you to order using you smart phone. Just a question of if/when to keep up with the times.

My server has been down for 2 days and boy have I missed it! No way I could access GN for starters. No way I could google for advice on how to possibly repair or even to get BT’s helpline number, no way I can register my football players to play except online and they must all have email addresses making a volunteer Secretary’s life that bit moe complex. No way I can order items online such as specialist light bulbs for which there are no high street suppliers.Then with self isolation being able to order groceries online has been a godsend.

A lot of people in lockdown even those in their 90’s have been ‘forced’ to use the internet and have actually found themselves able to use it and enjoying it. Needs must and all that. It’s surprising what you can do when you have to.There may come a time when you can’t get out and about and will be grateful for it as it will help you remain independent.

DS1 showed me how to use the internet about 25 years ago. After that, it was mainly trial and error. If you search, there's usually a way out of most dilemmas. Now I'm 79 and always open to new aps and ideas. I use it on my laptop (as now), my tablet and my phone. Since all the banks disappeared from our town, I've used internet banking without difficulty.

Agree with Woodmouse but at 70 we are NOT older people!

As for being a social creature spangler, ZOOM, Houseparty etc have meant even more socialising for many during lockdown - Young and old alike.

Some older people have a love of technology. Me (70) for one.

When I retired I taught 50+ how to use computer/laptop. They were so appreciative that someone their age was teaching them. Most had found younger ‘teachers’ rushed them through so much and made assumptions that they had some knowledge already.