In today’s society, almost everything has either gone digital or we heavily rely on the use of technology in one form or another. For seniors, many things we use today can be considered high technology for them. Today, we will discuss a few items that we use every day that seniors may need a little help with.
Mobile Phones
Many senior citizens did not grow up with mobile phones during their childhood. Many are accustomed to the regular household phones that we call landlines today. Because of this, introducing them to a mobile phone can cause some stress and with good reason. With many mobile phones to choose from, it can be a daunting task to just even review the features they have and how to use them, no matter the age. That is why it is important to always remember to be more patient when teaching an elderly loved one. Just as they were patient when teaching us the many lessons in life, we should also be patient with them.
When introducing a mobile phone for the very first time to an elderly loved one, purchase a mobile phone that is simple to operate. You may be tempted to purchase the newest phone for your elderly loved one, but remember this may cause additional stress during learning. Start them off with a simple phone. A phone that is not a touch screen. For instance, the flip phones of yesterday are great mobile phones to start them off with. Similar to the ones offered by Jitterbug Direct, these mobile phones are no-nonsense phones that are simple and easy to use. Begin teaching them on how to turn the phone off and on. Then move on to teaching them on how to make and receive calls. Once they learn the basics, you will be surprised at how many senior citizens can no longer part with their mobile phones. Your elderly loved one may eventually ask you for a newer type of mobile phone, perhaps even wanting to upgrade to a touchscreen one.
Computers
In today’s modern world, it is hard to avoid using a computer. We use it for work. Children use it for school assignments. Computers are used for almost everything concerning information. It is even hard to think about a time without computers. Just like mobile phones, your elderly loved one may not have grown up with a computer at home.
For many senior citizens, the thought about using computers can be overwhelming. Learning to use them and learning their components can equally cause them a significant amount of stress. As previously mentioned, most of the information we send and receive today are digitized. Millions of information can be searched and found online. To get your elderly interested in computers, you may want to show them how easy it is to look up information on the internet. Before that, show them how to turn on the computer and open a web browser. Then show them how to search for information. You may set up search exercises for them to get them comfortable using the keyboard while searching online. Remember to be patient. Even for young adults, learning to use the computer for the first time can be stressful. Once they are comfortable, you will find that teaching your elderly loved one of the other components of the computer will be easier. You may even move on to teaching them how to use a printer. Tell your elderly loved one that they don’t have to manually write things down, tell them that the printer will write it for them. They will see the convenience of using a printer.
Tablets
Almost like combining a mobile phone with a computer, tablets are another item that we use today. Your elderly loved one may need the flexibility and mobility that a tablet can offer them. Perhaps, they are sitting in the living room but do not want to get up to use the computer in another room. Purchasing and teaching them to use a tablet will offer the convenience and flexibility. This will also introduce them to using touch screens. As with any device, start off by teaching them on how to power it on. Next, show them how it is similar to a computer when looking up information online.
Whatever technological device you are teaching them, always be patient. It is also recommended to take frequent breaks so as to not overstress your elderly loved one during the learning process. Recollect that most of the tech devices we use today were not normally used by your elderly loved one yesterday.