In this project we categorised users as “absolute beginners”, “beginners” and “tech savvy” users. There are a number of much older “absolute beginners” who have never, or rarely, used computers at all but now find that they have very little access to information and services by comparison with those who do access the internet.

These people can no longer avoid computers. Even before starting the learning process, seniors face a range of obstacles:

• Difficulty in finding help at their level, even from family members
• Concerns with the way other people use technology
• Uncertainty about having a use for modern technology
• Regret in losing more familiar ways of interaction
• Concerns about internet security and managing these risks
• Confusion about the need to keep software current with online updates
• Needing to keep the potentially many passwords secure
• Preference to have a device fixed or set up rather than come to a course
• Wanting to learn on their own device
• Underestimating the time needed to learn electronic devices

Some potential students live in areas where there are very few seniors computer clubs and they struggle to find suitable training.

Many seniors are uneasy about the lack of privacy with modern computers. Many software applications request personal information and this leads to valid concerns about website tracking, tailored ads, location tracking, identity theft, synchronisation of accounts, transmission of data by networks, password theft and so forth.

There are risks in every aspect of computing and seniors are often a vulnerable and targeted group. They need advice in dealing with these valid concerns and on how to avoid hidden traps. They often find it hard to get good – and authoritative – advice on how to minimise risk, in a form that doesn’t make people too afraid to try things and put them off participating effectively in the modern world.