Seeing the benefits of technology is one thing. Helping others effectively integrate technology into their lives is another. We’re increasingly seeing the ways technology can help seniors maintain their independence and live at home longer.
Montreal Home Care is changing the way the world ages. This is the latest installment in our ” How and Why ” series, where we’ll share easy-to-understand tips to help you navigate the aging process.
The following five tips can help the seniors in your life become digitally savvy in the short term:
Change your narrative . It’s all in the attitude, and yours will influence theirs. While a growing number of older Canadians are using the internet and smartphones, new things can still be more challenging with age. Ageist stereotypes about seniors’ skills and learning abilities can actually affect a person’s self-efficacy. In other words, a senior’s belief that others think they’re incapable of using technology makes them more anxious about adopting it. You can change this with a positive attitude. So avoid jokes and guide your loved one with empathy.
Make it part of the conversation. In Canada, most seniors believe that technological advances can help them stay safe, maintain their independence, and live at home longer. Seven out of ten seniors agree that technology can help them reverse social isolation, stay active, and better manage their health. You’ll create positive momentum by putting your loved one in the driver’s seat and allowing them to choose the technologies they’re most interested in and want to focus on. Remember, you don’t need to make them an expert. Simply determining whether a senior is more interested in technology that gives them security, lets them talk to their doctor online, or simply lets them play Scrabble with an online community can improve the chances that they’ll actually use it.
Start off on the right foot. A senior’s experience with technology will be equal to the quality of time you spend preparing them to use it. Even if you have to explain a new app or smart assistant over the phone because of social distancing, you only get out of it what you put into it. Try to condense and simplify instructions. Then, create a printable cheat sheet to remind them of the essentials (e.g., use XX to order a book, try XX to talk to Aunt Monique, click XX to see photos of your grandchildren). Include passwords and simple reminders for troubleshooting.
Make safety a priority. Seniors are the fastest-growing group online. But remember that things that seem obvious to you may not be obvious to your loved one. Have a basic conversation about online scams (malware, phishing, etc.) in plain language. Prepare a list of reliable websites, teach them how to recognize a secure website , inform them about personal information they should never share in a game or contest, and encourage them to create strong passwords.
Above all: Communicate . It’s very important that your loved one feels comfortable asking you questions or sharing their concerns with you. As with monitoring a teen’s internet and social media use, creating an open and honest dialogue without judgment is essential to addressing any potential issues more easily. Check in regularly, ask lots of questions, and ask them to demonstrate their technology use from time to time.
In closing
Technology tools are only as effective as the preparation time you put into setting up your loved one’s success. Even if you can’t physically spend time together right now, a phone call can help you properly set up the devices involved. You can continue the conversation later to ensure everything is running smoothly and encourage your loved one to make the most of the technology.
About the Author
