COVID-19 has accelerated the need for seniors to learn and leverage technology, in order to stay connected with friends and family.
Technology is quickly becoming an important medium for seniors to stay connected. According to a Pew Research Study, 70% of seniors are now online and are using technology as a part of their everyday life. Even with increasing adoption rates there are still many seniors who have not taken advantage of the benefits that technology can provide.
When used correctly, technology can help a senior stay engaged, provide a path to communicate to friends and family, and reduce loneliness. The COVID-19 pandemic is increasing the value of technology for seniors who are unable to visit family and friends, due to social distancing, potential health-risks, or shutdowns.
At Comfort Keepers, a leading provider of in-home care in the Twin Cities, we believe it is important to embrace technology as a tool to provide higher quality care and help seniors remain, engaged, in the comfort of their own home. Here are 5 tips to help seniors learn and leverage technology.
Explain the Benefits
Seniors are more likely to display an interest in learning about technology if they understand the benefits and how they can be applied. For most seniors, learning technology requires a commitment, outside of their comfort zone, so understanding how technology can positively impact them is important.
A few of the most common benefits of learning technology are the ability to create and maintain social connections, increased mental stimulation, access to fun, and the availability of resources. A recent study, performed by AARP, found that half of seniors, who use technology, participate in gaming. The benefits of technology is unique to each senior and how these digital tools can elevate their personal life.
When having a conversation about technology with a senior it is critical for a loved one or caregiver to listen to their concerns, opposition, and questions. Discussing the benefits and a senior's reservations will help determine which technologies are the most beneficial for them, and their unique needs.
Here are some additional benefits from Comfort Keepers home office.
Take Baby Steps
New technologies, such as social media and smartphones, can be intimidating, especially for seniors who have never used them before. When teaching a senior how to use these platforms it is critical that they are eased into it. Putting too much pressure on a senior to learn new technology can lead to burnout and/or frustration.
The more a senior is engaged in learning new technologies, the more information they will pick up, and the greater the experience they will have.
Here are some great resources for teaching seniors new technologies:
The Seniors Guide to Online Safety
Write Down Instructions / Incorporate the Technology into Daily Living
Remembering how to use technology can be a struggle for anyone but it is especially normal with seniors. Whether forgetfulness is due to Alzheimer’s, other forms of Dementia, or just aging, it can be frustrating for seniors and cause them to give up on technology. This issue can be avoided by providing seniors with instructions on how to use technology. Another way to help seniors remember how to use technology is by incorporating it into their daily life. Family and senior care providers can help seniors practice using these tools on an ongoing basis.
Here are tips on communicating with seniors:
Improving Communication with Seniors
How to Communicate Effectively with Seniors
Takeaways
Technology can be a blessing or a curse for seniors depending on how they use it and are prepared for it. It is crucial that they understand the benefits, take baby steps when learning how to use these tools, and have access to detailed instructions.
Do you have a loved one that could benefit from in-home care in the Twin Cities? Call Comfort Keepers at (651) 372-8736, today.
