Seniors and Technology

Now is the best time for seniors to incorporate technology into their daily lives. With the pandemic going on and seniors being the highest at-risk group, using technology while staying at home can be very beneficial. Despite the fact that “older adults are embracing technology more than ever” there is still “at least one older person who can barely text” or use the internet itself. Additionally, using the internet whilst quarantining at home gives seniors access to the web world and provides a form of entertainment.


Gaining Confidence with Technology

There are many things that seniors can do to get more comfortable with using technology. The first being, reading the manual. Every device purchased comes with an instruction manual which provides information on how it works and the features it comes with. Reading this booklet allows the senior to become familiar with their device and know all the functions. This in turn will eliminate any anxiety and make it more probable that the senior will use their technology efficiently. Additionally with this newfound knowledge, seniors will be able to use the internet in new ways and be able to communicate with their friends.


Benefits of the Internet

There are many benefits to using the internet that might not be known to seniors. For instance, the internet opens the door to millions of websites containing valuable information on any topic. This allows individuals to research and gain insight on anything that they please. In addition, seniors will be able to take online courses and learn something they might have always wanted to from the convenience of their own homes. Another added benefit to the internet is the ability to communicate with anyone, anywhere. With their newfound technological abilities, seniors can set up a social media account and reach out to old friends.


Social Media

Before joining a social media platform, it would be wise to remind the senior about some very important things. Firstly, they must never give out their social security or credit card numbers to anyone. There are many hackers online that try to steal identities or others’ money that need to be steered clear of. They might go as far as to tell the individual that they have won a prize and can only claim it by giving out their address or credit card numbers. Do not believe them!


Online Gaming

Another fun activity to participate in online is gaming. This is especially true if the senior has any young grandchildren who love to play games online. It would be a great idea for the senior to play online with their grandchildren and even better for the senior to engage their grandchild in online games such as chess or checkers. Nowadays, many adolescents and young adults play violent online games that do not benefit them in the real world. By playing chess online with their grandchildren, the seniors would be educating and teaching them some very valuable skills. Plus, both the senior and grandchild would share a fun time.

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Finally, Thanksgiving is upon us! A time filled with friends, family, great food, and laughter. However, one thing that makes this holiday different from other American holidays is its emphasis on gratefulness. Thanksgiving is all about appreciating those around us and being grateful for the things we have, aside from its historical significance of course. Whether you are a caregiver, a family member, or a friend, the holidays provide a great opportunity to keep your relationship with a senior strong. Here are a few fun activities for family members and seniors to participate in: Baking This is a great activity for seniors as well as the whole family, especially since food is a staple at Thanksgiving. Some things worth baking during this season are things like pumpkin pie, apple pie, cheesecake, or simple things like chocolate-chip cookies. The children can also join, helping bake the cookies and then decorating them. For healthier baked goods, one can look online or ask the senior for some dessert recipes. What would make the senior happier than baking something from their childhood? Relive Moments Through Scrapbooking If you have a pile of photographs that you’ve been saving, now is the perfect time to bring them out! This is also a great activity for seniors with Alzheimer’s as a photograph and recalling when it was snapped might jog their memory. Decorating the scrapbook with stickers and other items might even invite the kids to join in as well. Later on, the kids will inherit the scrapbooks and be able to look back on the great memories they’ve made. Holiday Decorating Decorating the house for the holidays is another festive activity which seniors can most definitely participate in. Put out some cinnamon-scented pine cones or even some autumn colored trinkets to the space. Go outside and collect some beautiful fall-time leaves which have fallen down. Another great idea is taking the senior to a pumpkin patch and picking out some pumpkins to decorate the front of the house. Shopping Many might overlook this festive activity, however seniors can be brought along to help with the Thanksgiving shopping list. Not only will they be great company, but they might also provide some tips for which items to purchase. Have the senior hold the shopping list and keep track of all the items you buy, this will ensure that nothing is forgotten. After that, have the senior pick a place where they would like to eat and thank them for their help.
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