If you were told that teenagers/young adults and technology go together like peanut butter and jelly, you probably wouldn’t be in the least bit surprised. What about seniors and technology? Not exactly a match made in heaven, in the eyes of many retirees. Older adults can find the Internet, technology, etc., confusing and frustrating. Here’s the thing: Today’s modern technology can be extremely important for your retirement age loved one because it is capable of providing invaluable mental and social stimulation.
Would you like to make it easier for your aging loved one to navigate the Internet and put today’s technology to good use? To help with your pursuit, we’ve included a handful of suggestions.
Take a Class or Course – Online or Off-Line
Many of today’s retirement communities, senior centers, city centers, etc. offer classes that revolve around computers, mobile devices, and more. Some of these classes deal particularly with technology and difficulties encountered by older adults. What’s more, going to a class such as this could help your loved one with a bit of person-to-person socialization.
If your loved one doesn’t want to attend a class in person, there are numerous online courses available. You might simply have to get them started online so they can learn more about online usage and their computer. Included in classes like this are screenshots, photos, step-by-step instructions, video tutorials, etc.
Additional Learning Off-Line
Tips on how to use the Internet can be found in more places than just courses and classes online or at a brick-and-mortar location. Books are still a great way to learn and some older adults feel more comfortable with them. There are a number of hardcopy books out there, that are reliable and well written, which use picture and diagram instructions to teach computer skills and Internet use.
Hardware that Is User-Friendly
Though technology seems to be the problem in the first place, it’s actually technology that can come to the rescue for making both learning and life easier. Some electronic devices have been specifically manufactured with retirement age individuals in mind. Larger touchscreens and text are specifically designed into the computer itself, or standard computers can make larger text thanks to new technology.
As an example, PCs for Dummies (no offense intended) received nearly 5 stars out of five. It’s available, new and used, on Amazon and from other sources.
Increase Safety with Apps
To keep retirement age individuals safer online, Internet security apps are seeing increased popularity and use. As an example, one app only allows photos and emails to be viewed by the person using the computer. Access to the Internet is limited so that your loved one stays safe from fraud, scams, etc. found on the Internet today.
Hidden Meadows On The Ridge Promotes and Offers Wellness Programs
Located in Sellersville, PA, enjoy luxurious, comfortable retirement living at Hidden Meadows On The Ridge. Our community offers highly personalized care, a supportive, safe environment, and comfortable amenities that will serve your loved one for years to come. Our lifestyle programs provide numerous opportunities for socialization, health and wellness, abundant nutrition, entertainment, and more. Everything your aging loved one could ever want or need can be found here, in abundance.
Call us at 267-682-6538 to find out more.
