Helping Seniors Navigate New Technology

It may be difficult for seniors to keep up with the most recent technological developments as technology becomes increasingly integrated into our everyday lives. The use of technology, on the other hand, might help them tremendously. Technology can grant them access to vital resources, make it easier to maintain relationships with their loved ones, and even contribute to more autonomy and improved quality of life. With the help of loved ones and elder care providers, seniors can acclimate to new technologies more quickly, adding to the quality of their lives.

There are many things loved ones and home care providers can do to make technology more accessible for seniors. Continue reading to learn more.

Be Patient and Start With the Basics

Start with the fundamentals when introducing seniors to new technology. This requires making an effort to walk them through the operation of the technology at their speed. Be prepared to write things down and answer questions. Be patient with seniors as they learn.

Loved ones must understand that learning new technology can be tough and frustrating. Having elder care in the home to support the efforts helps to ensure that seniors are encouraged to use the technology consistently, which helps them become more familiar with it.

Becoming angry or frustrated will not help seniors learn any quicker. Make sure to provide ample time in the day to complete the task rather than trying to show them in a short amount of time. Maintaining a sense of calm is key.

Provide Step-By-Step Instructions

To make it simpler for seniors to master new technologies, give them instructions broken down into individual steps. This may be textual instructions, video demonstrations, or face-to-face demonstrations. Ask seniors how they prefer to learn and be prepared to repeat the steps. No matter what, leave written instructions for them and their elder care providers to access.

Keep it Simple

Many people over 60 find the complexity and abundance of features in today’s technology daunting. Simplifying the user interface will make it easier for people to use by getting rid of features that aren’t necessary and arranging the remaining elements in a way that makes sense.

It’s important to help seniors organize their phones, tablets, or laptops in a way that makes sense to them. Also, ensure that fonts and widgets are large enough for seniors with vision issues.

Consider Specialized Technology

There are numerous devices available that are specifically created for seniors, such as smartphones or tablets, that have fewer features and are easier to use. These devices typically include bigger buttons, less complicated interfaces, and other features that make them more approachable and simpler to operate.

Staying connected through technology is one of the most effective ways to help seniors combat isolation and loneliness. This requires a basic understanding of technology. Helping seniors understand the different applications and how to use them to benefit their well-being takes time, but the rewards are worth it.

For continued support, rely on the elder care team. Home care providers can help seniors stay connected to loved ones and help in various other ways, including ensuring seniors eat a well-balanced diet and stay active.

Source:
https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/helping-seniors-get-connected-through-technology/