SAGA not run by senior citizens anymore?

Difficult to understand that a person would believe a large organisation like Saga wd be run solely by 'seniors'.
I agree that a digital only magazine would exclude some people and think there should be a free hard copy mag for those who need one but times are hard for all companies and it must be much more economical to send out a digital copy to the majority.

😱
My 91y stepfather really enjoys getting his Saga magazine in the post each month.
He doesn’t have the internet. No idea how it ‘all works’ and has no interest in it.

Yes I had lifetime membership too! SAGA will lose support of those this magazine/service was intended for!

It’s a freehold development for folk over 55. germanshepherdsmum. My guess is ages range from 60’s working folk through to long retired 90’s. A warm community full of interesting folk. Many are very long lived people who like urms stepdad have chosen not to become burdened with anything other than a basic mobile phone.

It’s easy to say people ‘should’ keep up with technology, it can be a challenge too far for some in later life and indeed for some younger people. My personal view is no one should be disadvantaged by technology.

I suspected it might be such a development. Many older folk have no desire to engage with technology, but the fact remains that production of printed magazines and newspapers has to be financially viable for the publisher or they will simply stop being available. They are not running a charity.

I’m a bit staggered that the OP has described SAGA personnel as “boneheads”! Sadly printed media has been on the way out for many years and as SAGA’s target audience is 55+ years (I think) then perhaps we should understand how the world works now and most things are available in digital format as it’s cheaper and more easily accessed by MOST of us.

Guess they could both both services, with the digital version at a reduced cost and the printed version, at an “inflated” price to cover costs.

I’m 65, a woman, retired, I don’t need to be defined though by my age or employment status.

I also cannot see how the age of those running and contributing to SAGA as an organisation is in any way relevant.

I’m a bit staggered that he thought it was ever run by older people.

Well, I’m a Saga magazine subscriber and I’ve not heard of this.

How could I have missed such important news.
Also, I don’t recall being informed of the decision to go digital.

If that’s the case, then I won’t bother having it.
There is too much stuff to read online as it is.

By the by, I personally know several people of 80+, and two lovely people of 91, who have fully embraced digital services, have smartphones and Tablets, watch Netflix on their TV, use social media, have Alexa and while away a few hours each week researching interesting topics.

Many older people “rejecting” digital technology really don’t know what they’re missing. Only my opinion!

The development mentioned earlier is a prime example and for them technology could be an absolute lifeline, especially for housebound and disabled people.

Seems very sad to me.

And to me. They miss so many opportunities, even a simple WhatsApp that keeps people in touch or, if it’s their thing, free games.

Me too!

Indeed. There are folk of 80+ who are fully conversant with technology if it helps their lives or simply interests them. Mr C being one. Equally there are many for whom it’s a challenge too far. Please don’t generalise. It saddens me that the needs and preferences of all can’t be respected and supported. The insistence on using technology disadvantages many.

There are good reasons why some older people do not use technology. PPhysical disability, sight problems and some where pain and discomfort has blunted their cognitive functions.

There are also wider problems. I have dyspraxia and I was describing the problems I have with smart phones on a thread and another GN member posted that her 14 year old grandson with dyspraxia had the same problems using a mobile phone. So the problems of some older people with technology problems are not always just rejecting digital technology.

I do agree that older people who struggle with technology shouldn't be stigmatised. We all have different strengths and weaknesses for all sorts of reasons.

As for digital magazines etc, everything will eventually be in this format. It is worth bearing in mind that it is better for the environment.

Not all older people are computer literate and like many other aspects of modern life they are being sidelined.
I think anyone who prefers to have a hard copy should be catered for and not frozen out.

Germanshepherdsmum

I don’t know why the OP thought it was run by old people!

I wonder whether the OP meant to say that Saga was run for old people rather than by old people? Certainly its focus has always been predominantly the older age group. I suspect a slip of the digital tongue.

I think the royal mail delivery costs and frequent delays are basically going to be the end of print magazine subscriptions altogether, in combination with other factors. I don't know how time sensitive magazines like The Week are surviving, ours rarely arrives in time for the weekend.

Isn't it owned by investment people now? It is in debt afaik. I have some shares and not sure if to sell or wait. Knowing my luck!?

Like several other posters I dislike reading books and magazines on line. Nothing to do with ability, I am perfectly capable of doing so if I wished,
I do take the points about postage and use of paper however. I only take one magazine now which I share with a friend but I do read a lot of books.

I've got used to reading online. Our local libraries (Dorset) give access to most dailies and many magazines online. All free!

Germanshepherdsmum

That’s a lot of people without internet access. What sort of development is it?

Indeed. I don't know anyone, of any age, who doesn't have internet access. In fact, I get rather irritated when I hear people boasting of 'not using computers' (at the bowls club for example), what they mean is that they get someone else to do it, team captains have to phone them rather than send a group email/whatsapp, have to bank their cheques or cash, all more work for someone else.

Slightly off track, of course, but I didn't think that Saga magazine was run by older people, more it was aimed at older members of the population

Allex50

Isn't it owned by investment people now? It is in debt afaik. I have some shares and not sure if to sell or wait. Knowing my luck!?

The experts aren’t recommending selling atm.
markets.ft.com/data/equities/tearsheet/forecasts?s=SAGA:LSE#:~:text=Share%20price%20forecast%20in%20GBX,the%20last%20price%20of%20120.80.
I expect that like most people who own shares you keep an eye on the price.