Think of three elderly individuals you know. They may be your parents, grandparents, neighbors, or other relatives and friends. What does their relationship with technology look like?
Grandpa bangs away at the proudly preserved typewriter in his living room, resisting all contact with the newfangled devices his children and grandchildren are obsessed with. No weekend meetings with the grandkids on Zoom and no online ordering when the ache in his back acts up. Max and Martha help with the finances, and the family does their best to visit and keep his loneliness at bay.
Elderly Lynn, next door, on the other hand, has embraced online banking, shopping, Candy Crush competitions, and videoconferencing with her children who live overseas. She even took advantage of her earlier senior years to hire a teacher and learn how to navigate different software and devices. She enjoys the independence and camaraderie that is now hers, as she maintains control over her personal finances and remains in touch with family and friends.
Though technology offers many benefits to seniors, such as increased independence and communication options, it often seems unfamiliar and daunting to people who grew up without the devices and digital tools ubiquitous today. In this article, Senior Planning Services offers technology tips for seniors, covering safety recommendations, easy-to-use devices, and practical methods to make technology more manageable and enjoyable.
Key Takeaways on Technology for Seniors
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Many seniors did not grow up using digital devices, which can make modern technology feel unfamiliar and difficult to navigate.
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Issues such as small screens, low sound levels, and complex interfaces can make using technological devices frustrating for older adults.
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Adjusting settings, using larger text, increasing volume, and choosing simplified apps or devices can make technology easier and more comfortable to use.
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Seniors can be more vulnerable to online scams and fraudulent messages, making it important to practice safe browsing and verify suspicious requests.
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When used confidently, technology helps seniors stay connected with family, access healthcare and services, and maintain independence.
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Technology classes, community programs, and one-on-one support are widely available to help seniors build confidence and develop digital skills.
Technology Help for Seniors - Eliminate Practical Limitations
Despite the benefits of independence and human connection that technology offers, several practical issues often arise when older adults use technology.
Here are some common difficulties seniors may run into when navigating technology.
Passwords and Updated Software Interfaces
The need to remember and periodically update passwords and to navigate new interfaces presents a challenge for those struggling with fading memory. Some helpful ideas to mitigate this problem include the following:
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Choose strong, familiar passwords.
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Create passwords that include significant and/or memorable words, along with numbers and/or special characters. I.e., the name of a past pet or location, plus a related number or special character.
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When possible, create a pattern of numbers or special characters that can be continued each time the password is reset. i.e. daisy1!, daisy2!, daisy3!
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If easier to locate, it is okay to write passwords down on paper and keep them in a safe place.
Small Text and Low Volume
Devices with small text or a low volume make reading and listening difficult for those with any degree of hearing and/or vision impairment. It might be helpful to adjust device settings. Most devices include options to increase the text size, audio volume, and screen brightness, making it easier for those with limited sight or hearing.
Tiny Buttons and Touchscreen
Factors such as small buttons or a touchscreen make typing and navigation a struggle for those dealing with a very common condition called ‘leathery fingers’. It can be helpful to choose devices that are easier to use, such as those with large buttons or simple interfaces. Many companies even make devices specifically for elderly customers, such as the Jitterbug phone, which features large buttons and an easy-to-use interface.
Security and Scamming Risks for Seniors
Another difficulty elderly users may encounter is senior-targeted scams. Because seniors are a more trusting and vulnerable population, they are often prime targets for social media and general scam ploys. In fact, according to the FBI, due to shame and fear of losing the independence of handling their own finances, seniors are also less likely to report and investigate incidents. And the bad guys seem to be very aware of that.
Another attractive point in their favor is that scammers believe those in the older population own retirement cash, home equity, or a good credit rating, and hope to gain access to it.
These ploys often include a click-trigger on the computer that appears as a problem pop-up, along with a phone number or link to contact for help. Or, phone scammers ask for remote access to their computer or other device in order to ‘fix’ an issue, and steal sensitive information like account passwords or credit card data while ‘working’.
How to Minimize Scamming Power - Online Safety Tips for Seniors
Here are some simple ideas to help protect your loved ones from being scammed while empowering them to be actively involved in ensuring their safety:
Don’t Download. Teach your parents or grandparents not to open unexpected or unfamiliar attachments and be careful with forwarded attachments in general.
Don’t Share. Discuss never sharing personal and sensitive information over the internet, phone, email, or snail mail, unless they are sure who the company is and why the data is needed.
Activate Computer Protection Software. Make sure the computers and devices used have up-to-date anti-virus, security, and malware software.
Enable Pop-up Blockers. This will remove one of the avenues scammers can use.
Avoid Spam Emails. If you’re not sure about the trustworthiness of a promotional email, simply unsubscribe.
Many a shrewd and savvy elderly individual, while unable to be fooled just a short while earlier, becomes susceptible to the technological ploys of an industry developing far faster than he or she can keep up with. Care should be taken to maintain your loved one’s dignity and independence while implementing the above practical solutions to protect them from technical issues and scams.
How the Elderly Can Access Technology’s Benefits
Helping seniors access and understand technology can significantly improve their quality of life. Digital tools enable older adults to stay in regular contact with family and friends, access healthcare services through online appointments and prescriptions, manage finances securely, and obtain important information and services from home.
Elderly people who wish to become more proficient with technology may consider enrolling in computer classes offering technology tips for older adults. An online class for seniors should be accessible and offer tailored support so users can navigate their devices without feeling overwhelmed and benefit from them.
Senior Support at Senior Planning Services
For seniors who want to benefit from technology and become more proficient with their devices, many resources and support are available. At Senior Planning, we support elderly people who want to apply and become eligible for Medicaid. If you need help with your application or have questions, contact us today to learn more. We’d love to help!
FAQs: Technology Tips for Seniors
How do I learn how to use a computer?
Learn how to use a computer by practicing basic tasks such as turning on the system, using a keyboard and mouse, opening programs, and browsing the internet. Computer classes for seniors are widely available.
How do I enlarge text messages on an iPhone?
Enlarge text messages on an iPhone by increasing the system text size in Settings → Display & Brightness → Text Size. Drag the slider to increase font size.
What is the best cell phone for an elderly, hard-of-hearing person?
The best cell phone for an elderly, hard-of-hearing person is a phone with loud volume (90–100 dB) and hearing-aid compatibility (M4/T4 rating). Phones such as the Jitterbug Smart4, iPhone with hearing-aid support, and Consumer Cellular IRIS Flip provide amplified sound and clear speakers.
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