Teaching Elderly Technology: 10 Tips to Make Learning Simple

Helping someone learn technology isn't about age-it's about starting where they are and guiding them forward.

If you've ever taught someone to use a new device, you know it takes patience, clear instructions, and a lot of encouragement.

This guide gives you 10 tips to make teaching seniors technology simple, practical, and even fun.

How to Teach the Older Generation to Use New Technology

1. Explain the Benefits

Before diving into instructions, focus on why learning this technology is worth their time and effort. Older people are often motivated by practical benefits that directly improve their daily lives or help them stay connected with loved ones.

For example:

• Connection: Show them how video calls bring family and friends into their home, even if they live far away.
• Convenience: Highlight how apps can simplify managing appointments, paying bills, or refilling prescriptions.
• Entertainment: Explain how streaming services offer easier access to their favorite shows and movies.

Make the benefits personal.

For instance, if they miss seeing their grandchildren often, demonstrate how a video call works and let them experience the joy of seeing loved ones on their big screen.

2. Explain Concepts Simply

Technology can be overwhelming for anyone, senior citizens included, when instructions are filled with unfamiliar terms.

Simplify your explanations by using everyday language and avoiding technical jargon.

Break each task into manageable steps, and go one step at a time.

Example:

• Instead of saying, "Open the browser to check your email," say, "Tap this blue button to go to the internet, and then tap here to see your messages."
• If they're learning how to use a smart phone, compare swiping on the screen to flipping pages in a book.

It also helps to repeat instructions to reinforce understanding. Be mindful to check if they're following along or if any part of the process needs to be clarified before moving on.

3. Write It Down

Once you've explained a concept or taught a process, write it down.

Many older adults prefer having clear, step-by-step instructions they can reference later.

This applies to when you're teaching seniors how to use any technology, whether it's their smartphone, television, tablet, or computer printer.

A written guide removes the anxiety of forgetting and empowers them to try independently.

Tips for creating a useful guide:

• Use large, readable fonts for easier visibility.
• Break steps into short, numbered lists.
• Add visual aids like screenshots or photos showing where to click or tap.
• Print multiple copies or save the guide in a place they can easily access.

For example, if you're teaching them how to use a voice remote, include instructions like, "Press the orange microphone button and say a channel name," along with a photo of the remote and screen.

You could also include a list of voice commands they can use like "Netflix," "Weather," "mute," or "Channel 9."

4. Encourage Hands-On Practice

Young people and older people alike learn best by doing. Watching someone else use technology isn't enough-it's essential to let them try it for themselves. Giving hands-on opportunities not only helps them learn faster but also builds confidence.

Start with step-by-step guidance: Walk them through the process slowly, explaining each step. Break the task into small, manageable actions, checking for understanding along the way.

Let them take the lead: Once you've shown them how something works, step back and let them try it on their own. Resist the urge to take over if they make mistakes-use those moments as teaching opportunities.

Practice real-world tasks:

• Show them how to send a text message, then ask them to text you.
• Teach them to use a video calling app by having them practice calling a family member.
• Guide them through finding their favorite channel using a voice command, then let them do it on their own.

Repetition builds muscle memory and makes tasks feel more natural over time. Regular practice helps them retain what they've learned, making new skills stick.

Highlight how practice leads to discovery: Often, trying something for themselves reveals that the task isn't as complicated as they imagined. For instance, someone may initially say they don't need a voice remote because they've always navigated using the TV guide.

But after trying it, they realize how much faster it is to say "Hallmark Channel" instead of scrolling through hundreds of options. Once they see the benefits firsthand, they're more likely to embrace the change.

Encouraging hands-on practice isn't just about skill-building; it's about helping them feel capable and showing them how technology can make their lives easier.

5. Be Patient and Encouraging

Learning something new, especially modern technology, can be frustrating.  Patience and encouragement are essential.

• Acknowledge the effort: Compliment their progress, even if it's small.
• Avoid frustration: If they struggle, take a break and revisit the task later.
• Stay positive: Remind them that learning takes time and everyone makes mistakes.

If they feel supported rather than judged, they'll be more willing to keep trying. For example, when your senior loved one successfully makes their first video call, celebrate the achievement with enthusiasm.

And you can give yourself a silent cheer for helping reduce social isolation!

6. Choose Devices Specifically Designed for Seniors

When it comes to technology for older generations, the right tools can make all the difference. This is especially true when it comes to using technology for the first time.

Some devices are built for older adults specifically, offering features that are easier to use and more accessible.

Look for:

• Large screens and buttons for easier navigation.
• Voice controls to minimize the need for typing.
• Simplified menus with fewer options.

For instance, JubileeTV uses a familiar TV interface, which many older adults are comfortable with. Features like the voice remote, TV favorites, and app-based TV control for families make accessing favorite shows much simpler. If staying in touch is a priority, there's also easy video calling. Calls show up right on their screen and they don't have to lift a finger.

Here's demo showing you how some of the main features work:

7. Talk About Online Safety and Privacy

Online safety is one of the biggest concerns for many older adults. Online scams, phishing emails, and data breaches can feel overwhelming or even frightening. When teaching seniors to use the internet, basic safety habits can go a long way in building confidence and reducing risks.

Key concepts and safety tips to share when teaching elderly technology:

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Show them how to identify phishing emails or fake websites by looking for red flags like poor grammar, urgent requests, or unknown senders.
• Create strong passwords: Help them create secure passwords using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Tools like password managers can simplify this process.
• Recognize safe websites: Teach them to look for "https" in their web browser and avoid sharing personal information on unfamiliar sites.

In addition to teaching these habits, technology itself can be a tool for safety. Devices and platforms like JubileeTV allow families to take extra precautions. For example, JubileeTV ensures that only approved contacts can reach your loved one, reducing the risk of them interacting with strangers or scammers. This feature provides peace of mind for both the user and their family.

By combining good habits with secure tools, older adults can enjoy the benefits of technology while staying protected.

8. Address Physical Limitations

Physical challenges like arthritis, poor vision, or hearing loss can make using technology difficult.

Look for adaptive equipment that can help make technology more accessible. Or adjust devices to accommodate these needs:

• Enlarge text and icons: Most devices allow you to increase font size and adjust screen brightness.
• Enable accessibility settings: Features like voice-to-text or screen readers can make a big difference.
• Simplify navigation: Use tools like JubileeTV's voice remote, which eliminates the need for fine motor skills.

These adjustments ensure the technology works for them, not against them.

9. Explore Community Programs and Workshops

Learning in a group setting can be incredibly helpful. Many libraries, senior centers, and community organizations offer tech classes specifically for older adults. These classes cover a range of topics and may include computer skills, using mobile devices, social networking, online shopping, iphone photography and much more.

Community classes provide:

• A supportive learning environment.
• Opportunities to ask questions and learn at a comfortable pace.
• A chance to socialize with peers facing similar challenges.

Can't find a local program? Look for online tutorials or video lessons they can follow at their own speed.

10. Encourage Continued Learning and Engagement

Learning doesn't stop after the first lesson. Encourage regular use of technology to build confidence and skills.

Ideas for Engagement:

• Suggest hobbies they can explore online, like gardening tips, knitting patterns, or cooking recipes.
• Help them connect with old friends through social media or email.
• Introduce games and brain-training apps for entertainment and mental stimulation.

The more they use technology, the more it will become a natural part of their routine.

Make It Easier with JubileeTV

For older adults, the TV is often the most familiar and comfortable device in the home. JubileeTV builds on that familiarity with features that make learning technology simple:

• User-Friendly Interface: No complicated setups-just a familiar TV menu.
• Simplified Connections: Access video calls, reminders, and photo sharing with ease.
• Accessibility: The voice remote minimizes physical challenges, and family members can manage settings remotely.

Explore how JubileeTV helps older adults stay connected while keeping technology simple.

Final Thoughts

Teaching technology to older adults doesn't have to be a challenge. By focusing on their needs, choosing the right tools, and breaking tasks into simple steps, you can make the experience empowering and even fun.