Staying connected online

Email is a great way of staying in touch. It’s free and easy to use, and it’s much faster than sending a letter in the post. You can also share files, such as photos.  

There are several popular platforms you can use to create an email account, such as Google Mail, Outlook and Yahoo. Or your broadband provider might give you one. 

To set up an account, you’ll just need to provide some basic information, such as your name, date of birth and phone number, and think of an email address and a strong password.   

To send an email, you just need the email address of the person you’re writing to. All the emails you receive are stored in your inbox. The latest emails are displayed at the top. You can also access your emails through apps on your smartphone – follow your phone’s instructions to set it up. 

If you don’t have an internet connection at home, you can still access your email on a computer at your local library, for example. If you’re using a public computer, you should always sign out of your email account before closing the browser window. 

Visit Age UK for more information on how to set up and manage an email account.

If you have a smartphone, you could use a messaging app, such as WhatsApp. It works in a similar way to texting. Many people use WhatsApp instead of normal phone calls and texting, as it has some benefits. You can:

• send unlimited messages and make calls for free, so you don’t have to worry about using up any text or minute allowances
• share photos and videos 
• video call
• link it to a tablet, laptop or computer, so you can use it on lots of devices
• make group chats to message many people at once.

It’s free to download from your device’s app store. It uses your phone’s internet connection, so you can call and text as much as you like, for free. It’s particularly useful if you’re getting in touch with people who live abroad, as you can call and message them at no extra cost.

When your phone is not connected to WiFi, it will use your mobile data allowance instead. You may be charged extra if you go over your data allowance. Try to connect to WiFi if you’re using WhatsApp for something that uses a lot of data, like video calling.

If you want to have a chat with someone but can’t meet up in person, video calling is a great alternative. It can be better than a phone call, because you can see the person you’re talking to on your screen, and they can see you. You can even have group video calls.

You can use a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer to video call – your device just needs to be connected to the internet. There are many free video calling tools you can use:

• WhatsApp – as well as messaging, you can use WhatsApp for phone and video calls
• Skype – you’ll need to download this app to your device to make and receive calls. To create an account, you’ll need either an email address or phone number
• Zoom – if you’re only receiving video calls, you don’t need to download anything or make an account. The person who wants to call you will send you a link, and you can join the video call through your internet browser. If you want to make a call yourself, you’ll need to create an account and download Zoom to your computer.
• Facetime - if you have an Apple device, and your friends or family do too, you can video call them. This is built into all Apple devices, so you don't need to download it.

Remember to stay safe during a video call – for example, know who’s joining the call beforehand and only click on links from people you know and trust. Visit the National Cyber Security Centre for advice on staying safe when making a video call.

Tips for video calling

• Make sure you allow the app to access your camera and microphone – you’ll often be prompted to do this when you enter a call.
• Once you’re in a call, check to see if your camera and microphone are switched on. If the camera and microphone icons on your screen have a line across them, it means they’re switched off and people can’t see or hear you. You can usually just click or tap on the icons to turn them on.
• Having a strong internet connection can help your call go smoothly. If you’re having trouble with your internet connection, see our webpage Fixing problems with technology for more advice on what you can do.
• Video calling uses a lot of mobile data. If you’re using a smartphone to make a video call, you should make sure you’re connected to WiFi and turn off your data to avoid using it up. 

Visit Age UK for more advice on how to make video calls.

Sometimes it can be difficult to arrange a time to chat or sit down to write a proper email. Social networking websites are a convenient way to keep up to date with your family and friends. As well as staying in touch with the people you’re close to, you can follow interest and hobby groups and meet like-minded people.

• Facebook is a popular social media website to connect with family and friends. You create a profile where you can share photos, videos, links and text posts, and see what other people are posting. You can join groups and find local events. It also has its own messaging system, so you can use it instead of email or texting.
• Instagram is a photo-sharing platform. You can follow your friends and family to see what they’re up to and share your own photos with others. 
• Twitter is a social networking website where you can create and view ‘Tweets’. These are short posts that can be about anything, such as how you’re feeling, what you’re up to or your thoughts on a topic. You can post text, photos, links and videos, as well as interact with and re-post other people’s Tweets.

You can also use all these platforms to follow public figures, organisations and news, so you can keep up to date with things you’re interested in.

Visit Age UK for instructions on how to set up and use a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account.

Sometimes you may want to talk with new people. Online forums are a place where you can chat with people around the world, whether it’s asking for advice or discussing a common interest. 

You can find and join forums for any topic you’re interested in. You’ll usually need to create an account to post comments and replies.

• Gransnet is a public forum that’s open to everyone – you don’t have to be a gran to join. You’ll find a wide variety of topics to chat about, from arts and crafts to work and volunteering.
• Carers UK has its own forum where you can share tips, advice and support with others. As well as care-related topics, you can chat about interests and the news.
• If you have a health condition, you might find it helpful to share experiences with people in similar situations. There are plenty of online communities that can offer support, such as Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Talking Point, Mind’s Side by Side community and Macmillan Cancer Support's online community.

It’s important to be safe when you’re online. Never share personal information with people you don’t know. For more advice on internet safety, visit our webpage Staying safe online.