Technology Help for Seniors

Over the last several years, older adults have been the fastest growing segment of the online population. More and more people over the age of 60 are going online and using Facebook, Google, Yahoo and Youtube. They are emailing, texting and blogging—and it is having a positive impact on their lives as they are communicating more frequently with family, reconnecting with old friends, keeping up with community developments and managing their health issues. Eldercare Locator is offering a guide with tips and information to help the aging population get more familiar with technology tools while also helping them make smart decisions about how to be safe online.

Recent studies have shown that the aging population has become especially receptive to social media. According to an eMarketer report, nearly 47 percent of baby boomers actively maintained a profile on the social web in 2009, up 15 percent from 2008, and so do 36 percent of people between the ages of 63 and 75. A recent Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life report found that social networking has almost doubled for people ages 50 and older, growing from 22 percent to 42 percent over the past year.

Eldercare Locator’s “Staying Connected: Technology Options for Older Adults” guide takes users through the basic facts about how to use tools like Facebook, email and texting, including privacy and safety information. The guide also introduces YouTube, Twitter, Skype, Instant Messaging and blogging—all tools that older adults can use to stay connected through the internet and on cell phones with a variety of tech tools. The guide points out that in a matter of seconds you can send a message to your son, receive a photo from your granddaughter or email an invitation to a family gathering. While younger people are typically the “experts” on these new resources, many older adults also utilize the internet, social media and cell phones to communicate and receive information. These tools are an effective way to connect with family, friends and community resources.

If you or an older loved one has little or no experience with these technologies, learning options are available. According to the Eldercare Locator, many communities offer classes and other resources to help you get started with these new tools. To learn more about technology resources in your community, check with:

(1) Libraries, schools and community colleges;

(2) Family, friends and neighbors familiar with computers and cell phones;

(3) The Eldercare Locator is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any US community and a free national service of the US Administration on Aging (AoA) administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a). Contact the Eldercare Locator by calling 800-677-1116 or go their website ;

(4) For complete information go to: https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/helping-seniors-get-connected-through-technology