Guest blog post by Mary Shannon

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The Senior’s Guide to User-Friendly Technology

In retirement, it can be tough to keep in touch with family and friends. After all, many people choose to relocate in their golden years, and even if they stay put, old friends and neighbors may have moved on. Seniors who are concerned with physical fitness might turn to resources devoted to promoting an active lifestyle while seniors who want to boost their mental health may want to think about what they can do to maintain strong relationships.

If you have a senior loved one who could use a little help socializing, hooking them up with user-friendly technology might be the answer. If your senior loved one needs some guidance while shopping for new devices, these tips will help you make smart selections that suit their needs.

Cybersecurity Tips

If your senior loved one does not usually spend much time online but you plan to help them choose a few new digital devices so that you can stay in touch more easily, you need to teach them about cybersecurity and Internet safety first. Seniors who do not know their way around the Internet can be taken advantage of by scammers, and their data might be vulnerable if they do not take steps to protect their information.

Work with your loved one to create a digital security plan, and make sure that they are careful to communicate only with people they know online. Instruct them not to save their passwords — they should write them down and store the note in a secure place in their home instead.

Choosing a Computer

Sure, your senior loved one might have a computer already, but it may be somewhat slow or outdated. Perhaps it’s time for an upgrade? But where should you and your loved one begin the search?

First, it is important to consider whether or not your loved one would be happier with a desktop computer or a laptop. If they like to travel, a laptop is the better choice, but if your loved one is more of a homebody, a desktop will suit them just fine.

Next, look for a computer with a high-quality webcam built in, as well as a good microphone. Chances are, you will be doing quite a bit of video chatting, so you want to make sure you can see and hear each other clearly.

Buying a Tablet

Many seniors enjoy using tablets for playing games, video chatting with their loved ones, sending emails, reading books, and browsing the Internet. If your senior loved one wants a lightweight device that they can take with them when they’re on the go, a tablet is a great choice.

With so many options available, which features should you prioritize? Digital Trends suggests considering the screen size, the resolution, the battery life, and the amount of storage space. Resolution and screen size will likely be very important factors for most seniors, so you may want to look at larger models with high resolutions. Tablets can get pricey, but you may be able to save through seasonal sales when you purchase directly from your wireless provider.

Selecting a Smartphone

Today, it seems like almost everyone has a smartphone, but while plenty of seniors have purchased smartphones of their own, others have held back from making the switch. After all, learning how to use a smartphone can be tricky, and some seniors may feel that after growing up without this kind of technology, they simply do not need all of the features that would come with one.

However, there is simply no denying that having a smartphone makes it much easier to keep up with family and friends. If your senior loved one is still relying on a flip phone and a landline, it might finally be time to talk to them about buying a smartphone.

Your loved one might not know which smartphone is right for them, so if they plan to head to an electronics store to check out different models, you should definitely accompany them. Graying With Grace suggests choosing a model with built-in accessibility controls that will allow your loved one to enlarge text and images. A phone with fingerprint recognition can also be a good choice — with this function, your loved one will not have to remember a long, complicated password, and you can rest assured that their data will be secure.

Taking up Gaming

It may sound a bit far-fetched, but more seniors are diving into the world of gaming, and it comes with a host of benefits. In addition to helping boost cognitive functioning, gaming provides an opportunity to socialize with others through multi-player games, and there are numerous fitness games that can be enjoyed from home. If your loved one has an interest, this could be a great way to help them stay active and engaged. You can help set them up through their computer, with a gaming console, and even with game apps on their phone or tablet. In the event that their gaming interest takes off, consider pointing them toward a more supportive internet connection that offers a smooth experience.

Purchasing a Smart Speaker

Your loved one might not want to transform their home into a smart house, but if they are interested in picking out a smart device to make their daily lives a little easier, they may want to begin with a smart speaker. A smart speaker is simple to use, and if your loved one does ever decide to upgrade their home with additional smart devices, they can connect compatible products with the speaker.

When faced with the task of buying a smart speaker, your loved one might not know where to begin. You can help them decide which model is right for their home. Your loved one can save money by choosing a smaller model, which will also blend in with their other decor.

A smart speaker will also come with a digital assistant, so it is important to see which versions come with one that will effectively meet your loved one’s needs. Overall, you’ll want to prioritize finding a smart speaker that provides superior audio quality, especially if your loved one plans to use it for calling their friends and relatives.

While some seniors have embraced modern technology, others have been hesitant to use these devices. For many seniors, the thought of learning how to use smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, or other forms of newer tech can seem overwhelming. But with your help, it does not have to be. By helping your senior loved one choose devices that they can easily learn how to use, you can strengthen your relationship and make it possible to stay connected with the touch of a button.

If your senior care business could use support, connect with Kora’s Senior Living so that you can continue to offer the best experience possible with your adult family services.

You can learn more about Mary by visiting her website at http://seniorsmeet.org/