Technology is all the rage today, but if you’re an older adult, you may not be as quick to embrace the world of automation. Many seniors lack enthusiasm for high-tech gadgets due to fear or a preference for the old and familiar. Still, technology has many benefits for seniors, including keeping them connected, which can be vital to mental and physical health in older adults. Whether you like technology or not, though, one thing’s for sure: it’s here to stay, so learning to live with (and even like) smart gadgets may be the most intelligent approach to take. Follow these simple steps and see how easy it is to get tech comfy:
Adopt a No-Pressure Mindset
Trying to stuff too much information into your brain all at once will make you feel overburdened, frustrated, and under pressure to learn technology. Instead, be patient and focus on one device at a time. Then slowly acclimate yourself to the features that will benefit you at this life stage. Learning to master tech skills at your own pace will ease your mind, improve your comprehension, and help you appreciate technology’s purpose–to make daily living more convenient.
Limit Yourself to What’s Useful
In addition to telling time, smartwatches are great for sending and receiving messages, tracking steps, and even answering calls. But if you prefer to wear a classic watch, exercise without wearing a tracker, and use computer email to communicate, a smartwatch may have little value for you. When considering different types of technology, choose those you’ll use. A handful of practical tools will be far more beneficial than collecting every new gadget that comes on the scene.
Get Help
The Pew Research Center revealed that among senior adults who don’t own a tablet, smartphone or e-reader, just 13 percent would feel comfortable enough to attempt using these devices with no assistance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. By enlisting someone to sit down and explain to you how the technology works, you may get comfortable using it. There are many places to seek help, from stores that sell electronics to technology websites to tech-savvy friends and family members.
Make It Fun
Attitude is everything. If you approach technology with fear or disinterest, you’ll get quickly turned off and may run from it rather than embrace it. Why not look at learning how to use technology as a fun project? Get excited about this new skill you’re investing time in learning. Appreciate the many ways it’s rewarding you and making your life easier and more efficient. Laugh at your errors and applaud your successes. Turn technology into a friend rather than foe, and reap the rewards.
Technology doesn’t have to be a scary thing for seniors. With these simple steps, you can change how you feel about the electronic world and get on the tech train with the younger crowd. It might just change your life for the better.