Never Too Late to Click: How Older Adults Can Thrive in the Digital Revolution

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We often think of the digital revolution as a young person's romp — fast, flashy, and always changing. But technology is an everyone's game: our parents, grandparents, and all the rest of us who never grew up with a smartphone propped in hand.

Learning (and using) new technology at an older age is not only possible but can also be empowering. The following are ways that older adults can stay sharp, connected, and confident in a highly digital world.


1. Start With Purpose, Not Panic

Many older adults feel a sense of information overload, perhaps feeling they are meant to do it ALL. Instead, let’s focus on the important:

— Video calling grandchildren

— Online banking

— Connecting with family on WhatsApp or Facebook

— Reading the news or watching training videos on YouTube

Pro Tip: It’s better to use real-life examples of their use in everyday living instead of just in theory- the training they receive will be more experiential and less competitive.

2. Use Simple Tech

Make use of devices that are designed for older adults. Tablets with larger icons or a smartphone version, such as Samsung Easy Mode or using an iPad (iPads are also often easier for older adults to follow).

Use accessibility settings to the devices. From larger size text, voice commands, to dark mode.

Recommended Items

— GrandPad (tablet designed for older adults)

— Google Assistant and Siri (using voice assistant)

— Jitterbug smartphones (tech designed for older adults)

3. Take Advantage Of Senior-Friendly Computer Classes

Many affordable options or free classes for older adults do exist:

— Senior Planet (seniorplanet.org)

— AARPs Tech Help

— YouTube tutorials (search terms like: “How to book using WhatsApp for seniors”)

— Just look out for your local library or local community center workshops in digital tech training.

4. Learn Together - Your Own Tech Buddy

There is nothing better than patient, personal and one on one instruction. The best digital relationship-building experience is when a grandchild is teaching their grandparent how to send a voice note message.

Idea: Establish a second weekly “Tech Tea Time” to help make your and family lore informal learning and sharing including younger and older member family members!

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