Technology and the Older Generation: How to Help Others with Technology
Technology can be difficult for older generations to understand. However, it can be beneficial to teach older
people how to use technology. It is important to be patient and understanding when teaching older generations about technology.
This is especially true for those who may not have grown up with technology. It is important to understand that older generations
may not be interested in technology, but it is important to help them understand how it can benefit them. Some may be interested in
learning about technology, while others may not be. It is important to ask someone that you know in your family if they like
technology. If they do, it is important to help them understand how to use it. If they don't like technology as much, only teach them
the basics about the technology that they use the most. It is best to look at the technology that is used the most by everyone.
IPhones
IPhones are a great example of technology that is used by many people. They are easy to use and have many features that
can be helpful for older generations. It is important to help them understand how to use the phone and its features.
This can include teaching them how to make calls, send texts, and use apps. It is also important to help them understand
how to use the internet and social media. This can include teaching them how to use Facebook, Instagram, and other
social media platforms. For social media platforms, it is important ask them if they are interested in using them. These
platforms can be problematic because of the spread of misinformation. Advise someone using the internet to be careful about
what they read and to be careful about what they share. Proper sources are important to look at when reading about technology
and other topics (especially news).
Another thing that could be helpful would be financial applications. This mainly includes using online banking services and money
management software. These applications can be extremely complicated, so ask them if they are interested before setting them up. Most
people want an easy way to look up their bank account information and maybe even retirement funds. The best way to set this up is to
choose their bank account, find an application for it, and then start creating an online account to login to them. Make sure that the
password for them has random number and characters in it to make it more secure. It also needs two factor authentication enabled because
money accounts need the most security. 2FA can be frustrating, so make sure that an account has something like a difficult password stored
in a password manager and faceID enabled. This is the best way to keep an account secure, and it is easy for older generations to use.
One opinion to share is that older generations should not have to remember their passwords for their accounts. This works really with everyone.
They should also not really have to use their phone numbers or email for 2FA. This is difficult and frustrating to use.
Smart Televisions
Smart Televisions are another example of technology that is used by many people. They are easy to use and have many features that can be helpful for older generations.
It is best to explain how they work compared to older televisions that use cable. One opinion is that smart tvs are better than cable. This is because they are easier to use
and have more features. A person also does not have to pay for cable, and they would just pay for internet. Explain to older people how the live tv works.
Most smart televisions have a live tv feature that is similar to cable. It is run through many applications that are on the television. Some smart tvs
have problems though. It is best to just help older people by fixing the television when they need to. Some good brands can be found here:
Computers and Laptops
Some older people might want to use a computer for entertainment or business related purposes. It is important to help them understand how to use the computer and its features.
Make sure to help them by setting up the desktop or laptop for them. Start by connecting them to a local network, installing a web browser,
installing adblock on the web browser (this is extremely important), and then installing a good antivirus program. Windows is the best operating system, but it is
also the most complicated and prone to viruses. Mac is a good choice, but it is expensive. I would not recommend using Linux because it is difficult to use.
Conclusion
Technology can be difficult for older generations to understand. However, it can be beneficial to teach older people how to use technology.
It is important to be patient and understanding when teaching older generations about technology. This is especially true for those who may not have grown up with technology.
It is important to understand that older generations may not be interested in technology, but it is important to help them understand how it can benefit them.
Help them to understand the basics of what they own to make their lives easier, whether this is in retirement or while they still work.
