The world is changing at a pace that’s beginning to outstrip even the most fantastical predictions of the past. Moore’s Law suggests things are only going to get crazier as time goes on. From the perspective of our seniors, it makes perfect sense to feel a little daunted by how far we’ve come and the technology available today.
Many seniors feel as if technology and computers in general aren’t for them, but nothing could be further from the truth. Read on to find out more about technology for seniors and where to begin!
Technology for Seniors
For many of us, the thought of having to learn to use a mouse and keyboard or even a touch screen seems rudimentary. We’ve been using them for so long that their use has become second nature, and we might even struggle to remember a time when we weren’t able to do so blindfolded.
We first came across these things when we were young, and learning new things as a child is par for the course. There’s nothing special about learning to do what’s expected of us and our peers. It’s assumed that, in time, we’ll figure these things out ourselves through trial and error and gentle guidance eventually.
Not so for our seniors where technology is concerned. Instead, seniors tend to view technology as a realm that has passed them by, and not something to trouble themselves with. Something nigh indecipherable, not worth the candle, or simply too alien to seriously bother considering.
This is a tragedy in many ways, especially as leveraging new tech serves to ameliorate many of the trials of seniority so neatly.
Getting the Basics Down
The first step to guiding seniors towards technological competency is to start small and do your best to put yourself in their shoes. Teaching someone something isn’t easy, especially if you become frustrated at what appears to be slow progress. You might have grand plans of teaching them to do something simple, but don’t confuse your own perspective with theirs.
Sending an email is the easiest thing in the world for the majority of us, but that’s because we take our tech foundation for granted. Take a moment to think about the steps required to even turn a computer on, for example. Each step is completely new to the uninitiated, a fact we must remember if we’re to have any success in teaching.
The basics to you are most likely completely foreign to a senior. In fact, most of what holds many seniors back from taking the plunge into tech is the fear of the unknown. Failure to appreciate just how adrift they’ll feel simply sitting in front of a computer or tablet will spell disaster for the learning process.
Baby Steps
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and our seniors aren’t going to become proficient with tech in a day, either. Respect the process, start at the beginning of the beginning, and build from there. Take care only to progress on to the next step only once you’re certain they can do what you ask without missing a beat.
The importance of not getting frustrated during your attempts at shoring up digital health for seniors can’t be overstated. Imagine trying your best to learn something new while your teacher gets frustrated at your slow progress. Before long you’d give up, and rightly so, as the process turns sour.
- Remember not to rush the process; slow and steady wins the race!
- Repetition is the key to learning; encourage it wherever possible.
A good way to ensure what you’re teaching is taking hold is to ask them to repeat the action until they express enthusiasm for moving to the next step. Let them decide when it’s time to progress, they’ll let you know in no uncertain terms. If they’re completely new to tech and screens in general, consider starting them with a tablet.
Pointing a finger is a lot easier than manipulating a cursor on a screen. Learning how to use a mouse can take considerable practice, coordination, and finesse. The aim of the game is to streamline the process as much as possible, so eliminating comparatively complicated hardware will serve you both well.
Smart Home Devices for Seniors
To make things even simpler, you might want to consider voice-activated tech such as Amazon’s Alexa. Explaining to a senior all they need to do is speak clearly to the device for a variety of general uses is a great way to start. Take turns asking Alexa to play songs, or for bits of information, and before you know it they’ll start exploring what’s possible on their own.
These types of hands-free devices are especially useful for seniors with poor eyesight or dexterity. They’ll always be able to phone you if they’re in need and enjoy a range of useful and fun benefits.
If your senior takes to this quickly, it might be worth advancing to a tablet, especially if they’re keen to progress from using voice commands.
- Smart home devices are among the easiest to get to grips with.
- Voice commands are simple and easy to remember.
Some seniors prefer to learn on their own, of course. In this case, leaving them to their own devices with a new tablet will suit them just fine. Make sure to set it up with them beforehand, though, and before long they’ll be sending you cat videos with the best of them!
Wearable tech for the elderly is also worth considering, as many smartwatches pair seamlessly with Alexa (and other such devices) and will contribute to their tech confidence in general. Also, there are many health-focused monitoring applications available that may give helpful insight into their lives.
Small Town Senior Living at TerraBella Roswell
Our vibrant senior living community in Roswell, GA has to be seen to be believed. Taking a walk down by the Chattahoochee River or looking over the stunning golfing grounds is enough to convince most. If they aren’t your thing, the live music and authentic Southern cuisine available in town will be!
If you’d like to learn more about technology for seniors or our vibrant aging-in-place solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out. At TerraBella Roswell, we’re always available to answer any questions you might have and we look forward to hearing from you!
