Trend Micro's Internet Safety for Older Adults

Global aging population*

The demographic landscape is shifting dramatically, leading to increased vulnerabilities for seniors online. In 2020, for the first time in history, the number of people aged 60 years and older outnumbered children younger than 5 years. This trend is particularly pronounced in countries like Japan, where 30% of the population is already over 60 years old.

By 2030, it is projected that 1 in 6 people worldwide will be aged 60 years or over. As the number of older adults grows, so does their exposure to online risks, making it crucial to equip them with essential digital safety skills. This includes understanding how to safeguard personal information, recognize phishing attempts, and securely use online banking and social media platforms.

*Source: World Health Organization

Internet Safety for Older Adults participants in Cork, Ireland

Internet Safety for Older Adults

Bridging the gap

Recognizing the urgent need to support seniors in navigating evolving technology safely, we have created a dedicated program to ensure they remain protected and secure in the digital age.

Our new program is currently being piloted in Ireland and the United States, covering 13 essential topics, including passwords, phishing, social media, online shopping, and financial management.

  • The program is offered free of charge.
  • Each workshop session spans 1 to 3 hours, providing ample time for in-depth learning.
  • Sessions are hands-on and face-to-face, ensuring personalized guidance.
  • Seniors are encouraged to bring their personal devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) to practice skills in a familiar and supportive environment.
  • Each topic includes a handout for learners to take home, reinforcing their new skills.
  • Topics can be delivered in any sequence, allowing for a customized learning experience.
  • Topics can be selected and grouped together to create full-day events, offering flexibility in scheduling.

If your community needs cyber safety workshops for older adults, email us at internet_safety@trendmicro.com and we will reach out to you the soonest.

 

13 Workshop Sessions:

  1. Passwords
  2. Two-Factor Authentication
  3. Spotting email scams (phishing)
  4. Monitoring your finances and credit
  5. Social Media
  6. Online Shopping
  7. Spotting text message scams (smishing)
  8. Public Wi-Fi
  9. Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
  10. Locking your devices
  11. Reviewing privacy settings
  12. What to do if you are scammed
  13. AI: benefits and risks

Interested in our free program?


Trend Micro deliver training to organizations that support older adults in community, allowing them to deliver our free internet safety program direct to local community citizens. If you know, support or represent a senior citizen center or organization and share our desire to meet their internet safety needs contact us.

Testimonials

I reviewed my privacy settings on social media apps and was VERY surprised how open all of them were but they’re not anymore!

It’s not just us older people that are vulnerable online, everyone is a target. I learned so much, thank you!

Thank you, Trend Micro for giving us this wonderful opportunity to learn from the experts on a topic that is vital to us all.

Workshop Photos

Older adult participants in Cork during break time
Group photo of older adult participants in Cork
Older adult participants in Cork during break time
Older adult participants in Cork during break time
Older adult participants in Cork during break time
Older adult workshop in Irving, TX
Older adult workshop in Irving, TX
Older adult workshop in Irving, TX
Older adult workshop in Irving, TX

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