Millennials are recognized as the generation that most frequently makes ecommerce purchases; but, seniors, too, make up a significant portion of the ecommerce market. Although online shopping offers multiple conveniences, seniors who make online purchases are encouraged to practice safety.

Seniors aged 65 to 74 make up 41 percent of the ecommerce market, according to market researchers. That percentage will continue to grow over the next 15 years as the early adopters of the internet (who are currently in their 40s) increase their knowledge of technology.

Older people experience a range of benefits by making purchases online rather than ambling through brick-and-mortar stores. Even seniors who have difficulty with physical mobility are given plenty of opportunities to browse products via the abundance of online stores and services.

Save on online purchases

Seniors who are still not convinced of the advantages of online shopping should consider that products purchased through the internet may be lower than those found in retail stores. This is due to the fact that operating a physical store costs more than running an online one.

Plus, aging adults who utilize online savings codes spend far less. When free shipping or deals of the day are offered, seniors will experience greater savings. Price comparison websites allow users to compare prices at numerous retailers, thereby helping seniors to shop smarter.

Older shoppers are also advised to be aware of dynamic pricing, which is pricing that adjusts based on the demand of goods. Internet details drive dynamic pricing. Seniors who use a private browser, delete their search history, hide their location, and regularly check prices can work around dynamic pricing.

Pay attention to reviews

Shopping wisely includes heeding online reviews. Seniors are encouraged to join the 93 percent of customers who read online reviews prior to hitting the buy button. Customers want reassurance before making a purchase. Nearly 95 percent of customers claim reviews influence their decisions to buy.

Reviews offer social proof that a product is worth the investment. Older adults may find customer reviews on sites, like Yelp, Google, and individual retail sites. While positive reviews impact sales, negative reviews are likely to drive potential customers away.

Make online shopping user-friendly

Some seniors challenged with poor vision or hearing may find reading text on screens or listening to video ads difficult. Assistive Technology offers multiple solutions to the visual and hearing impaired. Older adults can use screen magnifiers, screen readers, and text-to-speech apps to ease online shopping.

Amazon’s screen reader, and other screen readers, like Thunder and Talking Web, read aloud the text contained within a web page. ZoomText, Virtual Magnifying Glass and ICONICO are popular screen magnifiers. Utilizing these technologies allows visually impaired seniors to comfortably shop online.

Hearing impaired seniors have plenty of options, too, when shopping online. Hearing is essential when listening to an online video or ad about a particular product. More of today’s online businesses add captions or subtitles to videos. Hearing-impairment technology is also useful.

Practice secure online shopping

Engaging in safe online shopping is critical to preserving privacy and financial security.

• Seniors are advised to shop at online stores they know and trust, such as those with a brick-and-mortar shop. Older adults can walk into the physical location in the event a problem arises with the product.
• Buy merchandise only through secure web pages. Secure sites may be recognized when the browser displays a padlock icon and a URL that starts with “https” rather than “http”. Legitimate websites that process credit card numbers use standard security technology to encrypt sensitive information.
• An online store may require a password to set up an account and complete a purchase. Prevent account breaches by using strong passwords, which contain eight or more letters and include capitalized and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Longer passwords are more difficult to break.
• Evade hackers by regularly changing passwords associated with online store accounts. Changing passwords monthly is recommended. Set up unique passwords for each individual store. If one account is compromised, the rest will remain protected. A password manager helps organize passwords.
• Secure networks are far safer to use than insecure ones, such as free wireless networks found in coffee shops, airports, and other public places. Secure networks require a password to access. When shopping from home using wireless networks, set up security and share the password only with householders.

Online Shopping Concerns

Older adults who shop online may have concerns. Common worries include returns not being accepted, identify theft, price inconsistencies, data breaches, and a lack of available customer service. Most concerns, however, may be addressed by reading an online store’s policies.

Your elderly loved one may be tech-savvy and do most of his or her shopping online. Or, the senior in your life may require extra help with making purchases, such as in a physical store. Either way, Assisting Hands Home Care caregivers will be an invaluable source of support.

Our licensed, bonded caregivers provide compassionate in-home support to seniors who require assistance with the activities of daily living. Routine care services include help with shopping for groceries, providing transportation to run errands, light household chores, and preparing nutritious meals.

We provide discreet assistance with personal care tasks, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. Our professionals also serve as pleasant companions. Our companion caregivers initiate conversations with care recipients, join them in recreational activities, and help them pursue hobbies.

Companionship is critical to preventing bouts of loneliness and isolation in the senior population. Assisting Hands Home Care companion caregivers are instrumental in giving elderly care recipients access to social outlets, including those at the local senior center and scheduled social events.

Families with aging loved ones living in Palos Heights, Illinois and the surrounding areas, are encouraged to consult Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable senior care at home. We offer a complimentary in-home consultation to get started. Call today and give the senior in your life the support to live a high-quality life.