
Teaching Elderly Technology: 10 Tips to Make Learning Simple
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Time to read 7 min
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Time to read 7 min
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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."
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:
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.
Learning something new, especially modern technology, can be frustrating. Patience and encouragement are essential.
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!
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
These adjustments ensure the technology works for them, not against them.
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:
Can't find a local program? Look for online tutorials or video lessons they can follow at their own speed.
Learning doesn't stop after the first lesson. Encourage regular use of technology to build confidence and skills.
Ideas for Engagement:
The more they use technology, the more it will become a natural part of their routine.
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:
Explore how JubileeTV helps older adults stay connected while keeping technology simple.
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.