By Dionne Rose

Melrose Williams* is approaching 70 years old, and over those years, the former accountant has seen many changes in her lifetime, but one of the fundamental changes that she has a challenge with is the advancement of technology.

Even though five years ago she was on top of her game in her career, the now retiree grapples with the fear of using the ATM machine. She is more comfortable going into the branch to do her transactions as opposed to visiting the ATM machine or even doing online banking.

Melrose is often accompanied by her husband, who is a few years older than her, to use the ATM, and even though he explains the steps, she always has challenges in using the ATM. She has now resigned to giving him her bank card to do withdrawals for her.

According to recent research, Melrose’s fears of using technology in doing banking transactions could be because of age-related physical changes. The research notes that these changes can make it challenging for seniors to navigate modern technology devices and platforms initially designed with younger users in mind. Reduced vision, hearing loss, declining motor skills, and cognitive conditions can impact the willingness and ability to learn new technology.

For seniors such as Melrose, who are less confident in using modern technology, it is imperative that relatives and carers step in and provide the necessary support to bridge this digital divide. This can involve setting up elderly smartphones or tablets, configuring accessibility features to make devices more straightforward, and demonstrating how to use apps and programmes step-by-step.

According to Saber Health Group, the following steps are good to initiate to assist seniors who have a challenge with technology:

Be Patient

There will be different aspects of technology a senior may encounter for the first time, from understanding web browsers to making a computer talk to them. It can take some time to learn all of it, and your loved one will have many questions about how everything works.

Being patient with a senior student is crucial to helping them learn. You should act as a guide for them, answering their questions and showing them the easiest way to accomplish a task.

Another reason patience is important is because a senior might ask repetitive questions or need to be shown something again. However, remaining patient can help motivate and encourage them to understand how to use technology. Give them friendly feedback and always be willing to help whenever they are interested in learning.

Explain Concepts Simply

One way to help seniors learn technology is by explaining different concepts in a simple manner.

A senior will not immediately understand terms such as “web browser,” “cookies,” “mouse,” and “portal.” They may have a hard time associating these words with aspects of technology, and this could confuse them quickly if you approach teaching them with jargon.

Explain the concepts of the internet in the simplest way possible and break down each topic into small parts. Avoid over-complicating steps, as that can make someone feel like they are unable to follow along with the process.

Let them Do It Themselves

Many people learn how to use computers and phones by interacting with them. While it is easy to present someone with steps on how to use technology, they won’t necessarily learn how to use it to the fullest until they try it.

Allowing a senior to try technology and explore their curiosity can help them learn faster. Let them interact with different aspects of devices and ask questions about the functions a computer or phone offers.

If the person you’re teaching needs help, always have them do the task while you explain it to them. This will help them internalise the steps and make them feel accomplished in what they need to learn.

Enrol in a Class

Some seniors might learn technology best in a class setting. There are many classes available that offer resources to help seniors learn technology through senior centres, community colleges, and nonprofit organisations.

One benefit of enrolling a senior loved one in a class is they will have the opportunity to learn how to use technology alongside other people their age. They can explore and collaborate with other seniors to learn different functions of devices, from using the internet to browsing articles to downloading apps.

Some senior technology classes are free, while others may require a small fee. There are also online class options available if there are none in your local area.

Talk About Security

Another important aspect of teaching a senior about technology is helping them navigate the security aspect.

For example, explain to them that they should never write their username, password, or other personal information on anything else but a login screen. If these are difficult for them to remember, set up a password manager that can help them log onto the different platforms that they will be using.

You should also inform the person you are teaching to never respond to spam emails or click on things that they are unsure of. Explain how the internet can be used to scam and collect information from people. You can also always offer to look at their computer if they have any questions about the legitimacy of what they find online.

Take it Slow

As a senior becomes used to technology, it’s important to break up the sessions into different parts. This will help them to better remember their technology lessons and allow them to slowly integrate computers and phones into their lives.

You can start by teaching them how to interact with a screen by setting up Sudoku or a word-cross puzzle. Then, you can move on to other concepts, such as creating a social media account or using the internet to shop.

Encourage your loved one to write down the steps of something new that they discover. This can help them in the future when they need help remembering the steps.

Over time, someone will become more confident with technology as they use it more and more. Give them positive feedback as they accomplish each step, and encourage them to continue to explore technology.

Adjust devices to meet their needs.

Many seniors may need their computer or phone adjusted to meet their needs.

For example, if your loved one struggles with their vision, there is a way to make the text bigger on the screen. You can also set up a device to read text out loud.

Many older adults also have arthritis, which can impact their ability to use a keyboard and mouse. There are touch devices that are more suitable to their needs, as well as equipment you can purchase to make using technology more user-friendly.

Assess your loved one’s physical needs and how you will need to adjust the technology devices that best suit their capabilities.

*Name change to protect identity

Additional reporting from: https://www.saberhealth.com/news/blog/help-seniors-learn-technology 

About the Author

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