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Original poster

Can someone in their 50s exist with no internet?

165 replies

Bad80sPerm · 20/02/2025 21:49

This. I don’t have home broadband so no laptop.

i could go to having just TV/Radio etc as my entertainment

Would you find if difficult?

OP posts:
Hankunamatata · 20/02/2025 21:59

My parents still do. However they do spend quite bit of time in the phone sorting bills out

farmlife2 · 20/02/2025 21:58

BIWI · 20/02/2025 21:51

Thing is, it's not just about entertainment - so much household/life admin (for want of a better phrase, as I know that irritates so many people!) has to be done via the internet.

To be fair, it doesn't actually have to. It can all be done with phone calls, visits in person to bank branches, shops, etc. It's more time consuming and how it used to be. It can all still be done that way, it just takes more time. Information on events can still be found offline too.

That said, I do like the convenience of being able to do a lot of things online instead.

BleachedJumper · 20/02/2025 21:56

No home broadband, or no internet access at all? A lot of people don’t have broadband, just use their phone 3G to use what they need.

I know a couple in their 50s who have been very stubborn about owning a mobile phone/being online. Their kids have become exasperated with them and explained that the world is only going to go in that direction, whether they like it or not. Simple things like paying for parking is going to be online/via phone, clubcard points only being a digital account and not supplying a physical card anymore etc.

I’m sure there were older people who wished we could just stick with carrier pigeons and didn’t want a telephone, but you’ve got to face the world keeps turning.

Pinkelephant66 · 20/02/2025 21:55

How have you made this post?

Tryingtokeepgoing · 20/02/2025 21:55

You don’t need broadband for the internet though, surely? Don’t you have a data connection on your phone that you could use, and / or use your phone as a hotspot for other devices. You don’t have round completely cut yourself off!

Catza · 20/02/2025 21:54

I don't really have the time or inclination to be waiting in a phone queue every time I need to arrange utility supplies, change my address on council tax, find the best deal for my car insurance etc. Not to mention not actually being able to find out phone numbers for any of these services to begin with.

LillyPJ · 20/02/2025 21:54

I'd find it difficult at first but I know I'd adjust and be fine. (I've had to do without it not too long ago.) I'd also get more done!

TickingAlongNicely · 20/02/2025 21:52

Banking
Council services
Car stuff
Sorting deliveries etc
Communication

Not to mention... you are asking this question on the Internet...

MaterCogitaVera · 20/02/2025 21:52

I would find it awful, but you might not. Especially if you have data on your mobile phone, so that you can still get online - but then you wouldn't be existing with "no internet", really.

gamerchick · 20/02/2025 21:51

No I play games online and the machines whinge if there's no internet to the point of irritating

I don't have telly though.

BIWI · 20/02/2025 21:51

Thing is, it's not just about entertainment - so much household/life admin (for want of a better phrase, as I know that irritates so many people!) has to be done via the internet.

EmpressaurusKitty · 20/02/2025 21:51

On the flip side, I’m in my 50s & manage happily without TV & radio.

What about practicalities like banking, do you have internet on your phone?

farmlife2 · 20/02/2025 21:51

I know people in their 60s/70s without internet by choice. They do have phones though, so no idea how much they might access that way. A couple of them just don't want any part of it and do everything the old fashioned way. I'm very early 50s and wouldn't want to be without it for shopping, etc.

BIWI · 20/02/2025 21:50

Well I'm in my 60s and I wouldn't like to be without the internet.

SlaveToAGoldenRetriever · 20/02/2025 21:50

Not sure why you’d want to isolate yourself in that way, or how it would be practical for everyday life. Even if I didn’t use internet for social media, streaming on TV and listening to music/podcasts I’d still need it to send work emails, use Google for research, book appts, do online banking etc. I take it you don’t work or have DC? People that willingly isolate themselves from the rest of the world and refuse to have internet (like my elderly DM!) bother me. It’s such an inconvenience.