Technology has revolutionized how people access information, interact with others or even access the Super Bowl odds. In the past, technology was considered for younger and learned people, but recently seniors have embraced technology.
However, it may still be tricky and sometimes complicated for seniors to keep up with the pace of technology advancements. Here are some tips for seniors who want to embrace technology.
Take a Class
Classes are a great way to learn new skills and are available for all ages. Whether learning how to use your laptop, taking an online class in computer graphics, or just attending a computer literacy class at your local community center, classes can help you learn something new or teach you how to use a new device.
Classes are also a perfect way to socialize with other people who share your interests and hobbies. And the best part? They’re generally free!
Seniors should take advantage of this opportunity by signing up for some classes at their local libraries or community center. Attending these classes will allow them to learn something valuable that they didn’t know before.
It might even give seniors who live alone the freedom from worrying about their health care needs after retirement.
Get Help from a Family Member or a Friend
You don’t have to do everything on your own! If you are working with technology for the first time, it’s okay to ask someone familiar with it for help. Describe what you want to learn, and they will likely be able to give you some helpful advice.
They may even be willing to sit down with you and show you how things work step by step. Better yet, they can demonstrate an app or website that will work great for your situation.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
Avoid being afraid to ask for help from someone you trust or even someone you don’t trust. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even from someone you don’t know.
The more options available to you and the more people in your life that know what’s going on with your technology needs, the better off you’ll be. This can be especially crucial when something goes wrong!
Use the Same Computer Every Day
Use the same computer daily, so you will get used to it. Practice using it and get comfortable with your setup. Make sure everything is set up how you want it in terms of size, location, and sound level, or use headphones if necessary.
Make sure you can see the screen clearly and that there are no distracting elements around it. Elements such as bright lights or clutter can lengthen your learning curve by distracting you.
Stop Using Your Mouse with Two Fingers and Try Holding it with One Hand
While it’s not a bad idea to use a mouse with both hands, if you are a senior or have an injury, try holding your mouse with one hand. You can also try holding the mouse properly with one finger on each side.
An excellent way to start is by placing your thumb in the middle-side of the mouse and using your index finger as usual. This way, it will feel very familiar while still being comfortable.
Use Shortcut Keys to Make Your Life Easier
The keyboard shortcuts on a computer can help you perform tasks faster and more accurately. For example, if you want to create a new paragraph, simply place the Enter key instead of clicking the paragraph button.
You can also use shortcut keys to save time when typing in long sentences by using Ctrl + C (copy). You can also use Ctrl + V (paste), Ctrl + A (select all), and then press Enter to start a new line. If you use shortcuts often enough, you will become second nature!
You Don’t Have to be Afraid of Technology
You don’t have to be afraid of technology, even if you are a senior. Technology can help you stay in touch with friends and family, keep your mind sharp, and even make your life easier.
There are a lot of people who are intimidated by technology because they don’t understand it or they think it’s too difficult to learn. But it’s straightforward and fun once you get the basics down and learn how to use it properly.
Conclusion
With all these technological advancements, there is no way around learning some technological skills. It might seem unnecessary to keep up with technology, but it’s essential to stay up to date.
It’s never too late to learn! So start it today.
