Keeping up with technology is a challenge that plagues many seniors. Technology tends to move and evolve very quickly, and with each new device comes a new set of things to learn. But if you stop keeping up, you might find yourself left behind in an increasingly digital world. Fortunately, there are some easy ways seniors can keep up with technology. Here are a few tips.
Upgrade Your Phone
While it can seem expensive, the easiest way to keep up with technology is to upgrade your devices. If you don’t own a smartphone, it will be very hard to know how to use one. You might think you don’t need a smartphone, but you’d actually be missing out on quite a lot. Video calling your children, grandchildren, or friends can provide a social lifeline in lonely days without ever having to leave your room. Placing grocery pickup orders via a smartphone app can make keeping healthy food in stock easier than ever. You can have podcasts and audiobooks loaded onto your phone to keep your brain sharp and kiss retirement boredom goodbye.
You’ll never really understand the benefits of new technology if you don’t at least give it a try. Generally, there’s a reason technology is developed, and new gadgets really do have new benefits. Try to upgrade your phone every few years to stay current. It doesn’t have to break the bank, either. You can still re-sell your old phone to mitigate the cost, or take advantage of buying used.
Try the New Gadgets
Some of today’s new technological gadgets can have a lot of benefits for seniors. Things like wireless headphones or AirPods can make regular exercise easier and more fun, which has endless benefits for seniors. For example, if you enjoy walking workouts, you might love wireless headphones to listen to music or books while you exercise.
If your eyes aren’t what they used to be, a tablet (like an iPad) might be a good option for you. It has almost all the same uses as a smartphone, but the screen is much larger and easier to see. You can also increase the size of the text on your tablet to read more easily.
Give the new technology a try and see if it has benefits you might enjoy!
Be Patient with Yourself
Learning any new thing takes practice. When you first attempt to use new technology, it might be frustrating, and you might be tempted to give up. But if you keep practicing, it will quickly become second nature. New technology is intended to be intuitive and easy to learn. If you keep trying, you’re sure to succeed.
Get Help with Technology
If you’re really struggling with new tech gadgets, there’s no shame in getting help. Ask a tech-current family member or friend to show you how to use the technology you’re not sure about. Make sure to ask for specific help in one area. For example, if you’re struggling to make video calls on your cell phone, ask your friend or relative about that one specific task. It is a lot less daunting to learn just one aspect of using technology at one time. It will get easier the more you use it!
If you don’t have friends or family members who can help you, try the staff at your senior living community! Senior living staff members are there to provide whatever you need. Your community might even offer classes on learning new technology. If they don’t, don’t be afraid to make a request—senior living communities are there to serve you.
Stellar Living hopes these tips will help you stay current on technology, no matter your age. Considering senior living? There’s no easier way to stay up-to-date in every aspect of your life! Tour a community near you today.
