It’s true that more and more people over 60 are embracing modern technology (just look at these awesome folks on this list!). 2023 statistics reveal that 80% of people over 65 own a smartphone, while in 2020, it was found that 55% of elders over 75 use the internet. 

There’s also been a rise in seniors who use tablets and social media platforms. 43% of adults over 50 report getting social daily, with their most preferred way to do so being Facebook. 

However, despite this, the digital divide between generations still remains quite wide. Many aging individuals struggle with modern devices because they aren’t quite as senior-friendly yet. 

Tiny buttons, cluttered screens, and quickly disappearing message notifications often make older adults let their hands down. In fact, 64% of people over the age of 50 believe that technology isn’t designed with their specific age group in mind. 

With age, a lot of adults experience a decline in brain functions like memory, attention, and processing speed. This can make learning to use modern devices more difficult, especially when they come across unfamiliar concepts and a constant flow of notifications and information. Their loss of vision, hearing, and fine motor skills also add to the difficulty of trying to grasp new technologies. 

However, it’s important to not give up when faced with these challenges, as older adults who don’t know how to use technology can feel isolated and disconnected. They might miss out on calls with family or online communities that can provide them with a sense of belonging. This can further lead to loneliness, depression, and issues with physical health. 

The elderly who struggle with modern devices may also miss out on various opportunities like online learning, entertainment, shopping and so much more. This can hinder their personal growth and disconnect them from the world around them. They might also start losing their independence as many everyday tasks, from banking to appointments, now rely on digital devices. 

In addition, the inability to use modern tools may pose safety risks. If they can’t navigate online sources, they might miss important safety alerts, struggle to reach out in an emergency, or be more vulnerable to scammer attacks. 

On the contrary, mastering technology helps older people to ensure their safety, keep in touch with family and friends, stay informed on the latest news, and even improve mental and physical well-being. Various games on phones and tablets can improve memory and cognition skills, while health applications in combination with smartwatches remind elders to move around every hour and record various important health metrics like heart rate, calorie intake, and sleep patterns.

To make the transition easier, older people may need help from their loved ones. The younger folks might start introducing them to technology by explaining the basics, like what apps and social media platforms are and where they can find the essentials, such as the phone book, messages, and camera. They might understand better if these concepts are compared to things they already know and use. For instance, the web page address can be comparable to a street address. 

During this, it’s important to be slow and patient and allow them to figure things out for themselves. Assure them that they aren’t going to break anything, as a lot of older people might be worried about it. While you’re at it, make sure to explain why technological literacy is important and how they can benefit from it. Don’t forget to repeat everything often and use simple language—terms like selfies or emojis might not be a part of their daily conversations yet. 

Perhaps the most crucial part in all of this is teaching them about internet safety. Help them set up secure passwords and warn them not to send sensitive information to anyone they don’t know. Educate them on all the ways scammers may try to deceive them and why it’s vital not to click on suspicious links. If they need it, write everything down!

Another challenge that elders might face is texting, as small keyboards on phones can be hard to master. First, try downloading a custom keyboard with bigger buttons and enlarging the size of the text as much as they require. Then comes practice. You might ask them to message you every day and give texting assignments, like writing how their day has been or what they did throughout it. With practice and help from their loved ones, elders should master technologies in no time. Oh, and make sure to explain emojis and slang so no awkward blunders happen!