Some people think seniors and technology are incompatible, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Plenty of seniors are avid users of technology, and there are a lot of benefits for people in their golden years who embrace the digital age. Ensure your loved one can access the resources they need with these tips for helping seniors with technology.
Tips for Helping Seniors with Technology
These days, it’s hard to imagine navigating daily life without technology. Most of us use smartphones, laptops, and other methods of connecting digitally. If you grew up in the internet age, using these devices might feel like second nature. However, for many seniors, there can be a learning curve when using technology. Despite that knowledge gap, tons of incredible resources are available for seniors on the internet, and plenty of seniors confidently use technology every day. Don’t let a senior loved one miss out on the potentially life-changing benefits of the internet! With these tips for helping seniors with technology, you can get them surfing the web like a pro.
Start Slowly
If your senior loved one is new to the world of technology, they may feel a little overwhelmed when they see everything that’s possible online. Instead of introducing them to the world wide web in a single day, start with what they’re interested in and use that to introduce them to more significant concepts. For example, if you have a senior loved one who wants to use the internet for bargain hunting, you can introduce them to an app or a website that helps them track coupons. Start small with short sessions, and let your loved one’s interests and goals guide you.
Focus on Security
While there’s a lot of great stuff for seniors on the internet, there are also some legitimate concerns about security and internet safety. To help them navigate technology with confidence, help your senior loved one brush up on their internet security:
- Be sure your senior loved ones understand how to create a secure password and why it’s crucial for them to use different passwords for different services. You can also encourage them to use a password manager for easier access.
- It is unfortunately true that scammers on the internet commonly target seniors. Use resources like AARP’s Scam and Fraud alerts to help your senior avoid them!
- Sometimes seniors don’t understand precisely how much information they’re sharing when they share things on social media. Review privacy settings with your senior loved one and help them determine what level of sharing they’re comfortable with.
Be Ready to Adapt
A common senior frustration with technology is that it can feel clumsy or difficult to use if they need adaptations for disabilities like limited eyesight or mobility issues. However, you can adapt technology to suit your senior’s needs. Help them adjust their settings as needed, and consider whether investing in other adaptive aids like screen magnifiers will make their experience more manageable.
Keep Checking In
Once your senior loved one is confidently navigating technology on their own, you can encourage them to keep building their new skills through regular interaction. Send them emails, schedule video calls, and check in regularly to see if they have any questions.
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