Veteran TV star Johnny Ball, 87, has admitted it used to take him 'days' to do online tasks like buy train tickets - and that he is often forced to ask his daughter Zoe for help.
The former BBC presenter said many older people struggle with 'digital admin' and booking a GP appointment or online banking is too complicated.
It comes as new research suggests over 65s who struggle online spend 25 per cent more time completing digital admin that those with more confidence.
Meanwhile those who are more apprehensive spend 50 per cent longer arranging for a GP appointment and nearly one in eight give up because they find the process difficult, according to the study by BT Group.
Mr Ball said: '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.
'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.
Veteran TV star Johnny Ball (pictured), 87, has admitted it used to take him 'days' to do online tasks like buy train tickets - and that he is often forced to ask his daughter Zoe for help (file image)
Mr Ball's daughter, Zoe, made headlines yesterday when she announced live on air that she would be quitting her weekend show on BBC Radio 2 after just seven months. The pair are pictured together in September, 2021
'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.'
Mr Ball hosted several educational children's shows spanning decades from the 1960s to the 1990s - from BBC's Play School, Think of a Number and Knowhow to ITV's Johnny Ball Reveals All.
His daughter, Zoe, made headlines yesterday when she announced live on air that she would be quitting her weekend show on BBC Radio 2 after just seven months.
Mr Ball is now working with the BT Group alongside UK charity AbilityNet to encourage older people to partake in free training to gain more skills and confidence online.
The two organisations are offering free in-person digital skills sessions for over 65s and disabled adults, in a bid to help them build their confidence and independence online.
According to the research, a third of over-65s also worry about scams, making them reluctant to carry out essential tasks online. And almost a quarter have difficulty trusting what they read online.
Others are held back by practical issues - such as a lack of confidence using the cloud (35 per cent), connecting to WiFi (23 per cent) and being able to set up a new device (20 per cent).
Analysis by Age UK also found around 4.7million people aged 65 and over in the UK lack the 'basic skills' to use the internet.
According to the research, a third of over-65s also worry about scams, making them reluctant to carry out essential tasks online (file image)
BREAKING NEWS
Zoe Ball QUITS her BBC Radio 2 show after just seven months
Four in 10 say their lives would be easier with better digital knowledge, while 43 per cent plan to take part in a digital training course to improve their confidence online.
BT Group's Responsible Business Director, Richard Marsh, 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.'