According to a recent survey, one of the main barriers to the use of technology among older adults is the technological knowledge gap.
AARP’s 2024 Tech Trends report shows that seniors are willing to adopt new technology with some help from family members and friends.
Here are 8 tips on how to teach technology to seniors.
1. Highlight the Benefits
Seniors need to be convinced that technology will improve their lives before they make any effort to learn.
Show them some fun stuff, like making a FaceTime call with a family member. Teach them how they can watch their favorite tv shows on YouTube. Tell them how they can read their favorite books on a Kindle or a tablet.
Highlight the entertainment opportunities like listening to audiobooks and podcasts. Let them know how they can connect with friends through Facebook and keep an update on their lives.
Introduce them to apps, puzzles, games and other activities that can keep them mentally active and sharp.
2. Make The Device Senior-Friendly
Make smartphone, tablet or computer easier before starting. Start by increasing the font size and changing the screen background to one color image.
If you are teaching on a smartphone or tablet, declutter the Home screen and move pre-installed apps, that seniors do not need to use, to a folder and move it to the second screen.
Make app icons bigger and increase volume for ringtone and notification. Keep the most used apps on the Home screen and add some games and apps to get them started.
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3. Start Slow, and Teach Basics
Do not assume they have any prior knowledge of technology. Start with basics and avoid information overload. Encourage them to do things themselves and ask questions even if they are repetitive.
Elderly struggle with technology because they do not ask for help. The start is always overwhelming for seniors so keep it simple and basic.
Start by teaching basic computer skills or showing them how to use a smartphone.
4. Ask Them to Take Notes
Many seniors suffer memory loss issues as they age and it is not easy for them to remember things.
Ask them to note down what they learned for the day or you can provide them brief handouts.
They can always refer back to notes if they need help during practice in their own time. It is also important to keep a written record of passwords etc.
5. Address Privacy & Safety Concerns
According to the AARP’s 2024 Tech Trends survey, Trust and Privacy is a major barrier to use technology among older adults.
It is vital to address their privacy and safety concerns. Install a good antivirus program for their devices. Educate them about spam mail, pop-ups and malware.
Tell them about authentic sites for online shopping. Let them know about online scammers and common scam types.
Guide them about online safety practices like never sharing your personal or financial information with anyone online.
6. Celebrate Small Achievements
It is important to encourage your students by celebrating their small achievements. Highlight the progress they are making and tell them they are doing a great job and have come a long way.
Show confidence in their skills and learnings. It will make them more comfortable and confident in class.
7. Let Them Practice
Show them what to do and let them practice themselves. Introduce fun games, puzzles and apps to make the learning process interesting.
Tell seniors it is ok to make mistakes and try new things. Observe what they enjoy and what is troubling them.
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Letting them try things on their own is important when teaching seniors how to use technology.
8. Patience
Teaching the elderly requires patience. Teach at the pace that they feel comfortable with. Expect repetitive questions and frustration during the teaching period.
Motivate them along the way. It may take some time for them to get familiar with new technology but their learning abilities will improve after the initial learning curve.
I hope these tips on how to teach technology to seniors are helpful in introducing technology into the lives of your loved ones.
Sohail Ahmed
I love helping seniors with technology. This blog features apps, games, gadgets, technology tips, and tutorials for older adults … Know More