Updated for July, 2020
Seniors in a
digital world can be easily overwhelmed by all the new technology around us. We
are surrounded by an array of digital devices, whether its smartphones, social
media, tablets, banking machines, or laptops. There’s no avoiding it, so we
should learn how to use all these technological advances to make life easier.
It’s easy to become tech savvy seniors when you begin to learn more about the
technology around you.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Getting digital literacy training
can give older adults the skills and confidence to access information and
services online.
Technology is
used in every facet of life because it can provide the speed, connectivity, and
efficiency to make tasks easier. We all want things to be easier and faster and
as an older adult, it’s important not to underestimate how technology can help
you in your golden years.
This is the
information age where questions can be answered in an instant, and when we take
advantage of being informed and connected then we can gain the knowledge and
know-how necessary to helping ourselves and improving our lives. Getting
digital literacy training can give older adults the skills and confidence to
access information and services online.
Indeed, getting
some simple training in using computers, tablets, and smartphones can help
seniors to stay connected with their families, friends, and communities. This
is especially important for seniors who wish to live independently and age at
home.
If you want to
learn the basics or just brush up on your digital know-how we can give you
pointers on how to become a tech-savvy senior in no time.
Technology Basics
The definition
of a computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data and
has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. A computer comes in three
basic forms, but we include smartphones as a fourth type of computer because of
its personal computing capabilities
Types of Computers
It’s true that
most of your lives were lived without the modern gadgets of today, and you did
just fine thank you very much, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use technology.
Desktop
A desktop
computer usually comes with separate components that make up the desktop whole.
It comprises a screen called a monitor, a mouse, a keyboard, and the computer
box itself (called a tower).
Many newer
versions of desktop computers, known as “all-in-ones,” combine the monitor and
computer box into a single unit with a separate keyboard. It relies on main
power connection with a power cable.
For most people, smartphones are
used as portable personal computers since they are able to connect to the
Internet.
Tablet
A tablet
computer is a lightweight, wireless, and portable personal computer with a
touchscreen flat surface. The tablet is usually smaller than a notebook
computer but larger than a smartphone.
Tablets can
also serve as a camera (front and also rear in some) for photography and video
capabilities. It also has a battery that can last a number of hours but is also
a cable for charging directly into a power source.
Smartphone
A smartphone is
a cellular phone device with the capabilities of a personal computer. Similar
to a tablet, they use a touchscreen surface and have cameras for photography
and video recording.
For most
people, smartphones are used as portable personal computers since they are able
to connect to the Internet, run software applications, and allow you to do most
of the things on a personal computer.
Laptop
A laptop
computer, also known as a notebook, is a single box that opens up like a
clamshell, with the monitor on top and keyboard and mouse below.
Laptops are
convenient in that they are portable and in addition to a power cable it also
uses battery power, which can last for a number of hours.
Useful Things You Can
Do With a Computer:
·
Browse the Internet
·
Use email
·
Manage your finances
·
Play games
·
Download and watch movies
·
Listen to music
·
Stay in touch with friends and family (via social media software
such as Facebook or voice calls
and video chats via software like Skype)
and video chats via software like Skype)
·
Sharing photo albums
·
Shopping online
·
Edit your own video and photos
·
Write letters
Where do you start? Good news,
there are lots of places for seniors to go and get computer literate.
Learning How to Use a
Computer
Now that we’ve
established why computers are important in today’s world, and you understand
what the main types of computer are, it’s time to get savvy with the wonderful
ways you can use them.
Whether you
want to learn how to use email, browse the Internet, do video calls with your
grandkids, purchase gifts or other items online, or share and view photos with
friends and family, it’s easier than you think.
If you have a
family member (grandkids are naturals!) or friend to show you some basics,
that’s great. If not, then there are several choices out there. Where do you
start? Good news, there are lots of places for seniors to go and get computer
literate.
Here are some
of the best resources available to seniors who want to know their way around
computers.
How-To Books for
Seniors
Visit your
local library or bookstore. There you’ll be sure to find a variety of books to
help you learn how to use different types of technologies. Some are quite
simple to follow and written specifically for seniors such as the Visual Steps
and For Dummies series of books. You can also order these books online at sites
like Amazon.com.
Online Instruction
If you already
have access to a computer and can use the Internet then there are several
online services that offer technology lessons and instructional videos while
allowing you to go at your own pace.
We recommend
GCFLearnFree.org, which is free of charge and supported by the Goodwill
Community Foundation. Another free website that teaches seniors basic computer
skills is TechBoomers.com.
If you can afford to pay for an online series, try Geekatoo.com. It costs $79 for a two-hour tutorial instruction along with technical support if you get stuck.
If you can afford to pay for an online series, try Geekatoo.com. It costs $79 for a two-hour tutorial instruction along with technical support if you get stuck.
If you don’t
mind doing a bit of browsing there are also have many YouTube video instructors
that can offer quick overviews on general computer know-how and specifics such
as setting up a Facebook account or doing Skype calls.
Using a
computer can let you stay informed, share information, organize your schedule,
do your banking, find and listen to your favorite music, watch old episodes of
your favorite shows and films, the list goes on.Indeed, with all the resources
and help available you may find yourself becoming a technical expert sooner
than you think.
Take a Local Class or
Workshop
You will
probably be able to find a local workshop or class for seniors right in your
own community. Indeed, there is a great demand for such types of courses.
Whether it’s a beginner’s class for computer basics or a specific series on how
to become proficient using certain software or applications, it’s a great way
to get out and learn with peers.
Additional Options
AARP TEK Workshops
TEK workshops are free of charge to the public. They
offer technology learning events on tablets or smartphones across various
cities throughout the U.S. Their contact number is 202-434-3021 and website
AARPTEK.org.
Lifelong Learning
Institutes (LLIs)
LLIs
offer many courses to retirees and some may include technology
courses. To find an LLI that offers computer/technology classes, contact your
closest adult college. You can also search the websites of Osherand
Elderhostel. They are two organizations that support approximately 500 LLI
programs nationwide.
SeniorNet
This
organization offers a variety of basic online computer courses geared
at seniors. They also offer instructor-led workshops at 36 learning centers
throughout the United States. There is a membership fee of $43 for the first
year. Visit SeniorNet.org or contact them at 239-275-2202 for more information.
Oasis Connections
Offering free computer and digital
technology classes at local senior centers, church halls,
public libraries or employment centers, across 30 U.S. cities. You can visit
them on OasisNet.org/connections or contact them at 314-862-2933 ext. 272.
Older Adults
Technology Services (OATS)
For New York
City resident seniors, OATS organizes free technology courses to seniors
in 70 locations across the city. They can be reached at 718-360-1707 or online
at www.OATS.org.
Becoming Tech Savvy
Seniors
It may sound
fancy and unrealistic to some, but it is not that hard to become tech savvy
seniors. Just try and keep an open mind and let go of any preconceived notions
that technology is complicated and not ‘your thing’.
It’s true that
most of your lives were lived without the modern gadgets of today, and you did
just fine thank you very much, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use technology.
Give it a chance and let technology show you what it can do for you.
It’s nice to
know that you can stay connected to loved ones and friends (no matter if you or
they are in the grocery store, traveling abroad on vacation, or even in the
yard gardening).
Sources:
www.udemy.com/tech-savvy/
www.nbcc.nsw.edu.au/courses/Funded+Training+/Tech+Savvy+Seniors
www.assistivetechnologyblog.com/2017/04/4-ways-entertain-senior.html
www.wsj.com/articles/want-to-get-tech-savvy-dont-ask-your-children-1502294980
www.marketwatch.com/story/guess-who-else-is-reading-your-posts-on-social-media-2017-05-17
www.nbcc.nsw.edu.au/courses/Funded+Training+/Tech+Savvy+Seniors
www.assistivetechnologyblog.com/2017/04/4-ways-entertain-senior.html
www.wsj.com/articles/want-to-get-tech-savvy-dont-ask-your-children-1502294980
www.marketwatch.com/story/guess-who-else-is-reading-your-posts-on-social-media-2017-05-17
No comments:
Post a Comment