Is it becoming impossible for some older people to manage their affairs independently?

I applied for a postal vote. Took a little while searching, but eventually found appropraite form on laptop and filled it in with all details. But then could not find any way if 'sending' this back. When I read information carefully, I had to print off that completed form and use landmail to post to my local town hall. Okay, I did, and did receive confirmation and then my postal vote. But find it surprising that when most of it is on line - still have to send it off by landmail.

I am 80years of age, but think it is important for me to keep up with technology as it is a normal part of life these days.

As for using cheques, do people realise that anything other than individuals have to pay sizeable bank charges not only in using cheques, but also in paying them in. When I went on my Residents Association Committee, I was horrified at the amount of bank charges paid by our non-profit making Association, mainly due to people paying their half-yearly mainteancne charges by cheque.

I can remember, long back in the past - in the 1950's some of my elderly aunts being scared to use a telephone. There are many opportunities of older folk being able to learn basic everyday computer skills. This should be encouraged.

Fran I wondered about that but then thought it must be a security issue re the signature. Scanned documents don’t always scan clearly.

Unfortunately, there are a whole load of fools out there that try and dictate to the public what and how we register or do things. ID is now one of those requiring smartphones, driving licences, passports and other things. With all official bodies, I just say if you want them then either supply them or find them as I don't use them. Maybe when we old uns dies out it won't matter but until then I'll stand my ground. I refuse to be on Facebook, Instagram, zoom, facetime, duo, whats app, messenger etc and stick with emails.

I refuse to be on Facebook, Instagram, zoom, facetime, duo, whats app, messenger etc and stick with emails

What do you see as the difference between posting on here and on amy of the other platforms you mention?

Galaxy the problem isn't always affordability though I know it is for some. My DM had Parkinsons - she was an early adopter of most technology in the Eighties and had a home computer before most people for work reasons. She could manage Skype. However as her coordination and voice got weaker, she was forced to lean more on her DC. Voice recognition and specialist keyboards would not have worked. It was really just down to human help. HOWEVER I do think those who devise online systems - whether it's voting/banking/online apps need to proof them for age and infirmity.

It is becoming more and more diffcult for those who are not internet/computer savvy to get things done or check their entitlements such as pensions. We live in Ireland at moment and everythng is online from bus passes to tv licenses. We have used computers all our lives but we know of several people who could not book their vaccinatiosn because it was online. Yes there was a phone number but you had to go online to find it. It is a generational thing but society needs to make it easeir for elerly people to get things done without computers or asking others for help. Hard to live an independant life these days if you are not online.

A simple phone call to said Council would have remedied the matter. Why involve a newspaper, radio. This is the trouble nowadays, a simple mistake and broadcast it to the world.

I think oversight by council and should be complained about. My postal vote had useful envelope with all the instructions etc

Lin52

A simple phone call to said Council would have remedied the matter. Why involve a newspaper, radio. This is the trouble nowadays, a simple mistake and broadcast it to the world.

Yes, people seem to have no problem with communicating when it comes to complaining.