Technology has advanced more in the last fifty years than it has in the previous two hundred. What this means for the future is uncertain, but for the moment there are a lot of seniors who've been left behind. The technological realm is expanding and becoming a real space despite its virtual nature.
Having access to the internet and technology in general is an incredible advantage. Senior tech enables unmatched engagement and improvements in quality of life across the board. Read on to find out why seniors should be encouraged to explore unfamiliar technology and how doing so is particularly beneficial.
Technology for seniors shouldn't be thought of as an unlikely combination. It's only due to the fact they didn't grow up in an environment where technology was ubiquitous that they're not as familiar with the subject as younger people are. All barriers to entry as far as technology goes are mental, and the sooner they're done away with the better.
All seniors need to reap the benefits of all available forms of technology is a little guidance at the start, to get the ball rolling. Once they've got their feet under them, they'll be able to explore and learn at their own pace as they become more experienced. Before long it'll be all but impossible to tear them away from their devices, but they'll thank you for the introduction, anyway.
The world as we know it is a different place compared to what seniors know. The divide is largely due to how technology continues to impact our lives in numerous ways. Bridging the gap a little by sharing the wonders of technology and its numerous benefits goes a long way to helping them feel included and valued in today's society.
Independent living is something we all strive for, and something the older generation has achieved, arguably, to a much greater extent than most of ours have managed. Despite this, many seniors are left without any experience concerning what technology has to offer them. YouTube and Google simply weren't a part of their lives growing up, so it's common for them to be unaware of what they're missing.
Computers can be a daunting prospect, however. Keyboards are full of jumbled letters and esoteric symbols; the mouse cursor requires considerable eye-hand coordination to use, and every screen contains an overwhelming number of mysterious buttons. Without any experience, it's not exactly difficult to get lost, even at step one.
Ultimately, the only way to become accustomed to computers and the many helpful digital tools for seniors is through trial and error. Sometimes having someone standing behind you breathing down your neck is off-putting, especially if you're trying to learn, despite their best intentions. Seniors feel no different, and would rather make their mistakes in private, if at all possible.
Unfortunately, leaving seniors completely to their own devices while they learn how to navigate through a completely foreign world isn't a good strategy. Without some kind of foundation to start on, they'll likely give up in the face of what seems to them a mountain of incomprehensible gibberish. To encourage them in the right direction, teaching them how to contact you will speed their progress along nicely.
A tablet is a great place to start because they're small and don't require the same peripheral hardware as a desktop computer or laptop, making them much more intuitive. Touch screens are a blessing when it comes to tutoring people through the basics. The first lesson should be tuned towards showing them how to direct message you.
This way, if they ever have a question or get stuck, they'll be able to send you a quick message for clarity. Showing them how to contact you is a fantastic start, and a great first step to usher them into the digital age. The ability to instantly communicate with loved ones can't be overstated, especially for seniors in independent living who'll no doubt be overjoyed at the prospect.
There's no end to the content that exists online these days. Rabbit holes concerning every niche imaginable are well-loved and populated by fanatics of every background conceivable. A particular favorite for seniors is the ability to look up things from their past, such as music, films, and memories they thought were lost forever.
This is where a crash course in Googling things comes in handy. Explaining that almost everything that has ever been created now exists for perusal online and that the vast majority of it is free will usually blow Grandpa's socks off. This is particularly fun when seniors begin sharing what they've found of note with each other, allowing them to share in the nostalgia.
Since it's possible to search for content from a specific year, the gems you can find with a little sleuthing are truly miraculous. From old newspapers to radio shows, the list goes on and on. Another particular favorite is the use of Google Maps and Streetview, which allows exploration of the entire world, more or less, all from the comfort of an armchair.
Seniors embracing tech together will solidify what they've learned while turning the experience into a social endeavor. This interconnectivity bolsters the community and the general quality of life for everyone involved. Learning something new affords seniors a new lease on life, too, and technology will further allow them to pursue other interests as they see fit.
At Bethel Park, our residents have learned and continue to appreciate the benefits of senior tech. The social aspect of learning something new has proved an unexpected benefit from encouraging the use of technology. Rather than having a tutor on hand all the time, the residents tend to enjoy learning from each other whenever possible.
If you have any questions regarding our technology use policies or anything else for that matter, don't hesitate to get in contact! We're ready to answer all your questions and would love to hear from you.