One of the biggest challenges that seniors face today is a huge technology gap. For those of us who have grown up with the huge bevy of different technologies, it can still be difficult to keep up, but for seniors, it can be even harder as they have to learn from scratch. Many do not even know how to turn on a computer, let alone know how to send a message to their grandchild on Facebook. But the internet and other technologies hold a lot of potential to improve the quality of life for seniors.
Many seniors complain of feeling alone and left out of the world. The internet is a great way for seniors to communicate with their friends and family, without ever having to leave their homes. That means that, even seniors who cannot travel and have limited mobility can keep up with the happenings in the world around them. The internet can allow them access to tons of information and can also help them to stay connected with friends and family. It also gives them a creative outlet as they can find others who share similar interests without having to leave the home. It is also a great way for seniors to stay abreast of what is happening in the community and the world.
Most of us seem to leave the older generation out when we are talking about newer technologies, but they have the potential to really brighten the lives of seniors. It takes a lot of patience to teach a senior how to use a new gadget like a Smart Phone or laptop, but it is worth it. When they can easily communicate with those around them, it helps them to feel less alone and more like they are a part of the world around them. There are even specialized laptops, keyboards and phones that are designed with the senior in mind. These are simpler technologies that are easier to use and also often have larger print keys to make it easier for seniors with visual impairments.
Though we want the best for our aging loved ones, many of us lack the time or the patience to teach our parents or grandparents how to use the internet. Thankfully, there are a number of different places in most communities that teach senior technology classes. Check out your local community centers and even colleges to find out if there are senior technology programs in your area. These are specialized programs that will teach seniors the basics of text messaging, sending and receiving photos and videos, typing, basic computer usage, and even how to use the popular social media tools like Facebook and Twitter.
Upon completion of a technology course like this, the senior should feel a lot more comfortable with how to use these things. Imagine, your grandmother getting to see videos of you and your children online. It makes communication easier for everybody in the family and allows seniors the ability to see the joys of the internet. Those who gain confidence and are comfortable using these technologies really seem to take to them and become very interactive in their virtual lives. This is a great thing when many seniors out there feel alone and left behind.
If there are no options like this in your area, check around online and try to develop your own crash course in these basic technologies so as to teach the senior in your life how to take part in social networking and the joys of being able to communicate and share pictures and videos online. Miles and mobile ability no longer have to keep seniors from being active parts of their families, staying in touch with friends and being active in the community.
At Carefect Homecare Services, we understand that homecare goes far beyond helping seniors with their daily needs. Our trained staff really cares about all their clients and work to develop strong bonds with them. Compassionate care is what we do best and we will even work with seniors to help them embrace technologies that can help improve their lives.