11 Tech Tips for Seniors: Stay Connected and Safe Online

"Can you show me how to do this again?" It's probably the fifth time this month you've walked your mom through switching inputs, or helped your dad figure out how to answer a video call on his tablet. And while you're happy to help, you can't shake the feeling that there has to be a better way.

Here's the thing: your parent wants to stay connected and independent just as much as you want them to. But the technology they encounter daily wasn't designed with their generation in mind. Between tiny buttons, confusing interfaces, and constantly changing apps, it's no wonder they're calling you for help when they're struggling with technology.

The good news? With the right approach and tools designed for real people (not tech enthusiasts), your parent can confidently use technology that genuinely improves their daily life. These practical technology tips for seniors will help you guide them toward digital solutions that actually stick. Best case scenario, they’ll actually reduce those "emergency" tech support calls while keeping everyone connected.

When helping your parent with technology, resist the urge to show them everything at once. Pick one new feature each week and let them practice until it feels natural. Maybe it's learning to make video calls this week, then finding a show on Netflix next week.

This approach prevents that overwhelmed look you've probably seen when you try to explain too much at once. Remember, you're not just teaching technology, you're building their confidence to try new things.

Video calls have been a game-changer for families, but traditional apps can be frustrating for seniors. Instead of expecting your parent to download apps and remember passwords, look for  video calling solutions designed specifically for seniors .

The ideal solution works through their TV, the one technology that’s already familiar. When answering a video call doesn’t require them to do anything more than wave and say hello, you'll find yourself connecting more often, not just during scheduled check-ins.

Your parent might be curious about Facebook to see photos of grandchildren or reconnect with old friends. Help them set up privacy settings from the start, and walk them through recognizing suspicious friend requests or scam messages.

If this is beyond their capabilities due to dementia or cognitive decline, look for more secure dementia-friendly solutions that let only approved family and friends connect with them.

Consider creating a simple list of "red flags" they can reference: requests for money, messages with urgent language, or friend requests from people with no mutual connections.

Most importantly, let them know they can always ask you before clicking on anything that seems suspicious.

If your parent has a smartphone, spend time making it work better for them. Increase text size, turn on voice commands, and remove apps they don't need. Organize their home screen with only the essentials: phone, messages, camera, and maybe one or two apps they actually use. 

Speaking of apps, don't forget to explore apps designed for caregivers too. These range from apps for medications, scheduling, and coordinating caregiving tasks and can bring some much-needed simplicity to your never-ending to do list.

Show them how to use voice-to-text for messaging. It's often easier than trying to type on a small keyboard. These small adjustments can transform a frustrating device into a helpful tool.

Your parent needs to understand online safety, but scare tactics don't work. Instead, focus on simple rules: never give personal information via email, be suspicious of "urgent" requests for money, and when in doubt, hang up and call you.

Help them understand that legitimate companies won't ask for passwords or Social Security numbers via email.

Create a plan for what they should do if something seems suspicious. Usually, that means calling you before taking any action.

When it's time for new devices, involve your parent in the decision. Look for smart devices designed with seniors in mind. These typically feature things like larger buttons, clearer displays, and intuitive interfaces.

The goal is to find technology that genuinely makes their life easier. And sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. For example,  simplifying their TV setup or adding technology that makes their TV interactive might have more daily impact than a new smartphone.

Your parent needs to know help is available when they need it. This might mean you, a tech-savvy sibling, or even a patient grandchild. Make sure your loved one knows who to call for different types of issues or questions, whether it's controlling their TV remotely, or helping with their phone, tablet, computer or smart watch.

Consider setting up regular "tech check-ins" where you review any issues they've had and practice things they want to learn.

For example, if they struggling with navigating their streaming services, have them practice on their own, then check in remotely to make sure they're on the right track, then speak with them about how it's going.

This proactive approach prevents small frustrations from becoming major obstacles.

Like any new skill, technology improves with practice. Encourage your parent to use their devices regularly, even for simple tasks. The more they interact with technology in low-pressure situations, the more confident they'll become.

Suggest they take photos during their daily walk, send you a text message each morning, or check the weather on their phone. These small interactions build familiarity and confidence over time.

While you might use a password manager, your parent might feel more comfortable with a written record kept in a secure location. Help them create strong passwords and find a system that works for them, whether that's a locked drawer or a simple notebook kept safe.

The key is finding a balance between security and usability. A system they'll actually use is better than a "perfect" system they'll abandon.

Point your parent toward learning resources designed for their generation. AARP's website has excellent tutorials, and many local libraries offer computer classes specifically for seniors. YouTube has channels dedicated to senior-friendly tech tutorials.

Learning alongside peers can be less intimidating than learning from family members. Sometimes hearing "I learned this too" from someone their age is more encouraging than reassurance from their tech-savvy daughter.

Voice assistants can be incredibly helpful for seniors, but they need proper introduction. Show your parent how to ask for the weather, set reminders, or even make phone calls using voice commands.

In addition to voice assistants, voice control is also now built into other familiar technology, such as TV. With JubileeTV, for example, your loved one can voice control their TV experience, from switching to Netflix, volume, or changing channels.

Voice-activated technology is particularly valuable for parents with vision or mobility challenges. Once they discover they can turn on lights, play music, or get answers to questions just by speaking, it often becomes their favorite tech feature.

These technology tips for seniors are all about finding sustainable ways to stay close as your parent ages. The right approach acknowledges that your time is limited while respecting your parent's need for independence.

Look for solutions that reduce friction rather than add complexity. The goal is technology that feels natural and helpful, not overwhelming or confusing. When you find tools that work seamlessly for both of you, caregiving becomes less stressful and more about connection.

For busy adult children, the best technology is often invisible technology — systems that provide reassurance and connection without requiring constant management or troubleshooting.

Remember, you don't have to solve every tech challenge yourself. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is find professional solutions designed specifically for families like yours. Whether that's simplified TV interfaces, easy video calling systems, or discrete monitoring tools, the right technology can give you both confidence and peace of mind.

Your parent lived through incredible technological changes, from rotary phones to smartphones. With patience, the right tools, and your support, they can get comfortable with the technology that helps them stay connected and independent.

Tired of being the family tech support? JubileeTV connects your phone to your parent's TV, making video calls, reminders, and staying connected as simple as watching television. No apps for them to learn, no complicated setup, just easy connection when you both need it.  Learn how JubileeTV works or  get started today.