Generations working together to overcome tech barriers

• Nearly nine in ten (86%) Brits say learning from young people helps those less confident with tech
• Nine in ten 18 – 24-year-olds have shared tips with older people
• But four in ten (42%) 18 – 24-year-olds learn tips and tricks from older people too
• WhatsApp, QR codes and smart meters in the top 20 things younger people are helping older family and friends with

A study of 2,000 people has found that almost nine in ten (86 per cent) believe learning from younger friends or family members can be helpful for those who don’t have confidence when using tech platforms, gadgets and devices. And large numbers of younger people are stepping up to help older relatives or friends.

In Britain, millions of people find simple tasks involving technology challenging and lack the digital skills to manage information, communicate, transact and use digital devices. Four in ten people (42 per cent) said they also struggle to keep up with new technology as they get older.

How to use WhatsApp, scan a QR code and track energy use on a smart meter display have been revealed as some of the top 20 things 18 – 24-year-olds have helped older people with. And the support has been widespread, with 89 per cent of those within the younger age group offering tips and advice.

But it’s also clear younger people are turning to older generations for advice. The research found that over half (57%) of 18-24-year-olds believe spending time with older relatives or friends makes them feel wiser and more than nine in ten (94%) of those over 65 agree that you are never too old to learn something new.

To help show the simplicity of smart meters and how they can make life easier for anyone less confident with technology, All Saints singer Melanie Blatt and her mum Helene have teamed up with Smart Energy GB.

The pair recently navigated the globe together in BBC1’s Race Around the World, and often exchange advice on technology, cooking and gardening.

Melanie said: “It's one of the most important things to progress and grow as a person, learning from the older generation - that is history. You’re supposed to learn from the past and their wisdom and the years they have spent on this planet, so you can relate to any generation.

 “Especially with mothers and daughters, there's always going to be that thing of like, you know best. But then when you do become a mother, suddenly everything your mother ever told you that probably ticked you off when you were young starts to make sense!

“If I have a tech issue, I’ll ask literally anyone who’s around me – my mum, my daughter. She’s my number one for tech support. Because anyone knows more than me – but even I think a smart meter’s display is simple and easy to use.”

Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB, said: “Being able to give and take advice from friends and family across generations is a really important way to learn and build confidence – especially when it helps to make life easier day-to-day.

“Smart meters are a really simple piece of tech that makes life a little bit easier. They come with a display unit that helps you to understand your energy use in pounds and pence, while the smart meter itself records your energy use just like your traditional meter. The benefit of the smart meter is that it sends automatic readings to your supplier, saving you the hassle of taking manual meter readings and delivering accurate, not estimated bills.”

Smart Energy GB’s research also identified a desire within those over 65 to keep up with technology, with 43 per cent saying they’re more likely to do so if it means they can maintain conversations with friends or relatives.

And although one in 10 of those over 65 do not feel confident about using new tech, nearly a third (29 per cent) say they’ve mastered using a smart meter display to track their energy use in the last five years.

In comparison to other devices, over half (55%) feel confident using a smartphone and a third (33%) have mastered using a tablet.

But Brits have remained motivated with nearly all (94%) of those over 65 agreeing that you are never too old to learn something new.

42 per cent of 18 – 24-year-olds learn from older people such as how to identify plants and flowers, how to be respectful, how to bleed a radiator or use correct grammar.

So, with many young people learning from older relatives or friends and vice versa, it’s clear that the vital and beneficial experience of sharing knowledge is being embraced across generations.

TOP 20 THINGS OVER 65s HAVE BEEN TAUGHT BY YOUNGER FRIENDS OR RELATIVES

 

1. How to use WhatsApp
2. How to scan a QR code
3. How to set up a zoom call
4. Which apps are good to download
5. How to use a tablet
6. What tech-related words or acronyms mean
7. How to play a video game
8. How to use certain emojis properly
9. What latest gadgets/devices to get
10. What computer games are popular
11. How to use modern slang
12. How to use mobile banking
13. How to use an air fryer
14. The best way to stream movies
15. What the latest fashion trends are
16. Which celebrities are popular
17. How to keep up with the latest TV shows
18. Where to go on holiday
19. What trainers are popular and which are out of style
20. How to track energy use on a smart meter display

 

TOP 20 THINGS OVER 65s HAVE TAUGHT YOUNGER FRIENDS OR RELATIVES

 

1. Manners at the dinner table
2. To be respectful
3. How to use correct grammar
4. Who famous people from the past are
5. How to save money
6. Good work ethic
7. What older slang words or sayings mean
8. Identifying plants and flowers
9. How to bleed a radiator
10. How to make a family recipe
11. The importance of keeping things in perspective
12. How to cook a cracking roast dinner
13. How to grow fruit/vegetables at home
14. How to budget at home
15. How to check the oil in their car
16. How to read a map
17. How to recycle
18. How taxes work
19. How to act in a job interview
20. How to mend a piece of clothing/darn a soc