In today’s connected world, the internet offers countless benefits— from staying in touch with family and friends on social media to managing finances, shopping, planning travel, and accessing health information. For older adults, especially those who may live alone or have limited mobility, the digital world can be a lifeline. But that lifeline also comes with some risk. Online safety concerns are growing, and it’s important for older adults — and those who care about them — to be aware of the potential dangers and how to avoid them.
Older adults may be targets for online scams and exploitation for a few reasons. First, they may be less familiar with evolving technology and the warning signs of digital fraud. Second, scammers often assume retired people have access to savings or retirement funds. And third, older adults tend to be more trusting of strangers, especially those who seem kind or appear to represent a trustworthy organization.
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Tracy Arabian is the communications officer at SeniorCare Inc., a local agency on aging that serves Gloucester, Beverly, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham.