The beloved children’s presenter has opened up about his difficulties adapting to a modern world.
TV presenter Johnny Ball July has opened up about his struggles in the digital world (Image: AbilityNet)
BBC veteran Johnny Ball has made a candid confession about aging just three years after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The 87-year-old presenter, best known for presenting the children’s TV show Play School, has urged older generations to reclaim the day by learning to adapt to the online world. Ball, who is the proud father of fellow presenter Zoe Ball, has joined forces with BT Group and UK charity AbilityNet to support older people who are being left behind when it comes to basic online tasks.
In a brutally honest interview, the presenter confessed that he has found himself left behind in terms of modern technology. This includes simple tasks such as making GP appointments or paying for parking, many of which have transitioned to online platforms.
He confessed: “I spent the best part of 50 years helping people’s children understand science and maths in a fun, engaging way, but now it’s the turn of today’s parents I hope to influence in learning about technology, in order to make their everyday lives easier.
“For some, basic skills like booking a GP appointment or paying for your parking, using modern technology can seem daunting. I also feel that at times. It used to take me days to do basic online tasks that should take minutes.
“I still need help to do some things. For example, for sending WhatsApp messages and other social media, I often learn from my wife Di or daughter Zoe.” Despite his difficulties, he explained that he is starting to overcome many of the online challenges he faces, allowing him to feel more independent.
He added: “But the more skills you have the more confidence you feel, so that with practice you’ll find you will be able to reclaim much of the time you took grappling with an app or a website.
The broadcaster shared his excitement to develop a new skill (Image: Press Handout)
“Take it from me, digital tasks are easier than you think. So, like me, you will feel a huge sense of achievement and joy when you get to the point of doing something new, comfortably.”
His comments follow the BT Group’s revelation that fears surrounding digital safety are holding many older people back. A third of over-65s say the rise in online scams makes them reluctant to carry out online tasks.
Speaking about the campaign, BT Group’s Responsible Business Director, Richard Mash, said: “Johnny Ball has opened the world of maths and science to millions of children.
“It’s a privilege to work alongside him and to help empower those in his generation who are eager to embrace new skills. Our research shows that older people who lack confidence online are losing hours grappling with new technology.
“By enrolling in one of our free courses with AbilityNet, they can learn these simple skills, reclaim their time, and not feel so left behind.” To find out more about BT Group and AbilityNet’s free digital skills support.
