By Susan Chaityn Lebovits

Why technology matters, and how to bridge the learning gap

As our world becomes increasingly digital, it’s essential for everyone, including our aging parents, to embrace technology. While the idea of teaching an elderly parent how to use a smartphone or navigate the internet may be as appealing as a trip to the DMV or a root canal, the benefits are immense.Technology can significantly enhance their quality of life by providing opportunities for learning, socializing, accessing information, and managing daily tasks with ease: “Alexa, what is the weather today?”
This article will outline why it is crucial for seniors to be tech-savvy and provide a detailed guide on how to set up a 3-month Tech Bootcamp to help your parents confidently navigate the digital world. If you’re unable to assist, there are a number of organizations that specialize in teaching the senior population.

1. Staying Connected: Social isolation is a common issue among seniors, especially those who live alone or have mobility issues. Technology offers various ways to stay in touch with family and friends through video calls, social media, and messaging apps. This connection is not just about combating loneliness; it also fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is vital for mental and emotional well-being. 

2. Accessing Information and Resources: The internet is a vast repository of information. From cooking tutorials, to news updates and local weather, seniors can benefit from accessing information online. This access empowers them to make informed decisions, stay up-to-date on current events, and continue to learn new things, such as art, music, local events and more.

3. Entertainment and Leisure: Technology opens up a world of entertainment options. Seniors can enjoy movies, audiobooks, museum tours, the symphony and online games that keep their minds active. These activities have the potential to significantly improve their mood and provide an enjoyable and fulfilling way to spend their time.

 4. Health Management: There are many apps and devices designed to help seniors manage their health. From fitness trackers that monitor physical activity to telehealth services that provide virtual doctor consultations, technology enables them to take a proactive role in their health management.

5. Learning New Skills: It’s never too late to learn. Whether it’s picking up a new language, meditation, mastering photography, or exploring creative hobbies like painting or writing, technology offers endless opportunities for lifelong learning.

6. Safety and Independence: “Smart” home devices and safety apps can enhance the independence of seniors by providing tools that make their daily lives easier and safer. For example, smart speakers can control home devices with voice commands, and emergency alert apps can ensure that help is just a button away. An Amazon Alexa of Google Home device can also initiate phone calls via voice commands.

Setting Up a 12-Week Tech Bootcamp

To help your aging parents get comfortable with technology, you can set up a structured 3-month tech bootcamp with weekly classes or use our template. Below is a suggested syllabus outlining the topics to cover and the steps to teach each topic effectively. By setting up a structured tech bootcamp and patiently guiding your parents through the learning process, you can empower them to confidently navigate the digital world and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. If you do not have the time to commit, there are a number of organization that will help.

Week 1 Introduction to Devices
Familiarize with smartphone, tablet, and computer basics; turning on/off, charging, basic navigation.
Explain buttons and ports.
Guide through home screens.
Practice using the touchscreen and mouse.

Week 2 Internet Basics
Understanding Wi-Fi; how to connect
Browsing the internet. Introduce web browsers.
Searching for information.
Demonstrate how to search for information on Google.

Week 3 Email Setup and Use
Create an email account.
Explain sending, receiving, and organizing emails.
Practice sending and receiving emails.
Demonstrate how to organize an inbox with folders.

Week 4  Video Calling and Messaging
Create accounts for video call platforms (e.g., Zoom, FaceTime) and messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Messenger).
Practice making video calls and sending messages; discuss privacy settings.

Week 5  Social Media Basics
Introduction to Facebook, Instagram; connecting with friends and family.
Explain social media platforms.
Create accounts.
Follow friends and family members.
Practice posting, liking, and commenting.
Review safety and privacy settings.

Week 6 Online Safety and Scams
Identifying common scams; understanding cybersecurity basics.
Discuss common online scams.
Teach how to recognize phishing emails and fake websites.
review safe browsing tips.

Week 7  Entertainment and Leisure
Explore apps for music, movies, audiobooks, and games.
Introduce platforms like Spotify, Netflix, YouTube.
Practice searching for and enjoying content.
Set up profiles and preferences.

Week 8 Health and Wellness Apps
Using apps for health monitoring, virtual doctor visits, medication reminders.
Explore health apps and demonstrate setting up profiles.
Guide through booking virtual appointments
Set up medication reminders.

Week 9 Smart Home Devices
Introduction to smart speakers, lights, and safety devices.
Demonstrate how to use smart speakers (Alexa, Google Home).
Set up simple commands
Connect smart lights and safety devices.|

Week 10 Online Shopping and Banking
Set up accounts using digital wallets.
Guide through setting up accounts on shopping sites.
Demonstrate safe purchasing.
Introduce online banking basics and security.

Week 11 Learning Platforms
Explore online learning platforms (YouTube tutorials, Coursera, Duolingo.                          |
Introduce platforms
practice finding and enrolling in courses.
Demonstrate navigating lessons and keeping track of progress.

Week 12 Review and Troubleshooting
Review all topics covered.
Go over basic troubleshooting skills for common tech problems.
Recap previous lessons.
Introduce resources for further help (e.g., help forums, support).|

Tips for Teaching Technology to Seniors

1. Be Patient and Encouraging: Learning something new can be intimidating, especially for seniors who may not have grown up with technology. Celebrate small victories to build their confidence.

2. Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon and technical terms.

3. Go at Their Pace: Everyone learns at their own speed. Allow your parent to dictate the pace of learning and revisit topics as needed.

4. Hands-On Practice: Provide ample hands-on practice during each session. Encourage them to repeat actions multiple times until they feel comfortable.

5. Visual Aids and Step-by-Step Guides
Create easy-to-follow guides with screenshots or step-by-step instructions. Visual aids can be incredibly helpful for seniors.

6. Regular Review
Regularly review past lessons to reinforce learning. Repetition is key to retaining new skills.

7. Stay Available for Support: Offer ongoing support even after the bootcamp ends. Be available to answer questions and troubleshoot issues as they arise.

Organizations to help teach seniors technology skills: