We all want the best for our aging parents and loved ones. We want them to have comfortable homes, access to healthcare, and help from someone they know and trust. But in today’s world, caring for seniors also means helping them stay safe and secure in the digital landscape.
Outsmarting online scams
Many seniors aren’t as familiar with the internet as younger generations. This can make them vulnerable to online scams that target their goodwill and trust. Some simple ways to protect your loved ones include:
- Talk openly: Have honest conversations about common online scams.
- Encourage skepticism: Remind them that if something online sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and people are not always who they say they are online.
- Review bank statements: Encourage them (or a fiduciary) to check their bank and credit card statements together for any unusual activity.
Being proactive and staying informed is key to protecting your loved ones from online threats.
Protecting digital assets
Estate planning is no longer just about houses and heirlooms. Today, we must also consider digital assets. These can include online bank accounts, social media profiles and even cryptocurrencies. Thus, another way you can help your loved one is to encourage them to address their digital assets.
- Take inventory: Work with your loved one to identify and document all their digital assets and accounts.
- Update estate plans: Ensure their will or trust addresses digital assets and designates someone trustworthy to manage them.
- Use password managers: Encourage the use of a secure password manager to keep track of login information.
By taking these steps, you can help your elderly loved ones protect themselves and their assets online.
While the digital world presents new challenges, a little knowledge and preparation go a long way. Helping your loved one avoid scams and manage their assets can give them peace of mind and safeguard their valuable information.
However, these can be tricky discussions to have. Approaching the conversations with empathy and being patient and supportive throughout the process can go a long way in protecting the people you love.