For many people, technology is a fluid and convenient feature of their lives. From reading the morning paper on their tablets to video chatting their remote colleagues at work, technology is ubiquitous in their everyday routines. Because seniors grew up in a world without modern gadgets, many of them find it difficult to figure out the way they work. What seems like common sense to your digitally adept brain may come off as counterintuitive to your senior loved ones. If you’re struggling with helping your aging relatives navigate today’s technological landscape, here are some tips that can help.
1. Be encouraging
Remember, the devices you use every day may present a significant learning curve for your parents. Not only can this be frustrating for you, as you’d like to be able to communicate with your loved ones through texts and emails, but it can be very disheartening for your loved ones as well. Telikin explained that you should maintain a supportive, encouraging attitude at all times. Let your parents know that they’re perfectly capable of using technology, but they may need to go through a process of trial and error before it becomes second nature.
2. Take it step by step
It can be tempting to jump right into the more advanced features of technology, like showing your parents intricate features of smartphones and laptops. Skipping over the basics can lead to lots of frustration and confusion later on, so it’s important to start at the very beginning and approach the process with a step-by-step mentality. Unless you’re confident in your parents’ fundamental technological abilities, you should start by showing them how to physically power up their devices.
Once you’re sure they know what all the buttons and switches are meant for, guide them through the more basic elements of accessing the Internet. Setting a strong foundation now will make it easier for you to introduce more advanced concepts later on. If it seems like certain elements of your teaching aren’t sticking with your parent, have him or her repeat that step until he or she feels entirely comfortable performing it without your assistance.
3. Show them the benefits of using technology
Of course, your parents will be less likely to commit energy to learning technology if they can’t see any benefit in doing so. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask them what their goals are in terms of getting online. Maybe they want to be able to shop online, or perhaps they want to connect with friends and family through email or social media. Once you iron out what their goals are, it will be easier for you to tailor your lessons to their needs. Being acutely aware of all the amazing opportunities technology can afford them will also help them stay motivated when the learning process gets tough.
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