Helping older Australians shop safer online

The eSafety Commissioner has launched a new course, through its Be Connected initiative, that assists older Australians accessing goods and services online, which is especially important during the pandemic.

The Introduction to buying and selling online course comes as new eSafety research found only seven per cent of older Australians aged between 50 to 65 years bought groceries or shopped online during COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year. 

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said research also shows more than half of older Australians are concerned about their banking details being stolen when they are making an online purchase.

“While COVID-19 is a risk factor, older Australians are thinking about how to stay connected while physical distancing,” she said.

“This course will help them be able to do their shopping from home and reduce their exposure to the virus. 

“At a time when the economy is heavily impacted by the necessary restrictions, assisting more seniors to shop online will help them access the essentials they need, while supporting their favourite local stores and regional producers.” 

In addition to introducing well-known online retailers and marketplaces, the new course shows older Australians how to set up payment accounts so they can keep their details safe.

Later this year, older Australians can also participate in an engaging and free webinar, Safer online shopping and banking, helping seniors take advantage of all the convenience and cost savings of buying, selling and managing their money online.

Did you buy your groceries online during the height of the pandemic? How did you find the transition?

2 comments

“Did you buy your groceries online during the height of the pandemic? How did you find the transition?”

I started online shopping for heavy items only, a while back, but when the lockdown started, I did the entire shop online and haven’t looked back. Great service so far.

I had a delivery this morning which made me feel sad though..my driver turned out to be an airline pilot who was made redundant because of the pandemic. He told me he just can’t sit around and do nothing, hence the job with Woolies. He’s hopeful of returning to his job one day

That’s reality staring you right in the face!

you would have thought the eSafety Commissioner would advise those who have been running the Be Connected program of the new course and webinar. Hopefully this addresses one of the missing links in the pre-covid framework.

I enrolled and got an email back confirming date and time

... but not sure how I'll go.. .never done anything lke this before.

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