As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches on, many people are grateful for technology and the freedom and entertainment it has brought. However, not everyone is as tech-savvy as the teenagers and young adults of the world.
While the Internet, smart devices, and computers can be a great way to stay connected with loved ones and keep entertained with movies, games, and streaming entertainment, some seniors may need a little more direction. If you’re feeling somewhat lost when it comes to navigating technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have some excellent tech tips for seniors you can use — they’re sure to help you impress your grandchildren.
Top 5 Senior Tech Tips
1. Google is your new best friend.
Maybe you want to learn how to do something new, or perhaps you don’t know the website for a company your friend told you about. Head to www.google.com, and type in your search. Even if you can’t remember a company’s name, start typing what you can remember, and Google will even fill in your search for you with suggestions of what they think you mean.
2. Save your contacts for easy calls.
If you have a smartphone or a tablet like an iPad, chances are you’re going to be using it to either call or video chat with your loved ones. Video chat is one of the best uses for technology, especially when loved ones can’t visit in person.
One of the beautiful things about smart technology like this is that they have a built-in address book. You can go to your Contacts screen and add anyone you’d like. Once their phone number is in there, you only need to tap on their number to call them.
3. Find a streaming service you like.
Sometimes the options that are on TV don’t sound entertaining to you. That’s why streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ have become so popular. See if your family or loved ones have an account you can share, or consider getting a subscription of your own. If you’re unsure, try it for a month and see if you like it.
Not sure which one is right for you? Here’s a brief overview:
- Netflix has TV shows like Jeopardy! and The Great British Baking Show, movies like The King’s Speech and Julie & Julia, and many more options.
- Hulu has shows that are still currently running, as well as plenty of movie options.
- Disney+ has all of the classic Disney movies, like Cinderella, the Star Wars series, Marvel movies, and National Geographic documentaries.
4. Be smart when using email.
If you use email, make sure you only respond to emails that come from people you know. Don’t click on links or download attachments if you don’t know who they’re from, either. Scammers can use emails like this to try to get your personal information, so just be careful before you click on or reply to any emails if you’re not sure who sent them.
5. Find your favorite places on social media.
Even if you don’t want to post on social media, it can be a good idea to have an account so you can enjoy the entertainment available there. You don’t have to add any “friends” if you don’t want to, but having a Facebook account lets you quickly access pages like the Cincinnati Zoo. They’ve been doing unique Home Safari videos throughout the pandemic. Many other businesses and organizations have Facebook pages, too.
If you don’t want to create an account, that’s okay, too! You can still search for the Zoo’s Facebook page through Google and access their videos and content that way.
No matter how you use it, technology is a great way to stay engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Hopefully, these tech tips for seniors will help you feel a little more confident when you unlock your tablet or turn on your computer next.
Deupree House has offered iPhone and iPad classes for residents who want to learn more about technology. Though these classes have unfortunately been postponed due to COVID-19, we look forward to hosting them again. In the meantime, click here to learn more about our Cincinnati retirement community and browse our independent living options.
