Ready for your Senior to Get (and Stay) Connected?

---

Tablets can be the perfect way to stay in touch during the pandemic for a senior.  They are usually easy to use out of the box, are lightweight, offer font enlargements, and are touch sensitive.  They typically take less time to learn how to use than a laptop or desktop computer, but some seniors may still feel hesitant about using a tablet.  Some may consider getting a cell phone, but often these screens are a bit too small to use for long periods of time.  These helpful tips may help in introducing seniors to the idea of owning their own tablet after having used one on loan.

Some resistance to tablets may come from worry over dropping and breaking an expensive piece of technology or worries about neuropathology/shaking hands making it hard to use the touchscreen.  Purchasing a case, screen cover, and stylus can help to overcome these fears.  Having a tablet that a senior is afraid to use because of how delicate it is acts as an expensive dust catcher and is not helping anyone.

Don’t assume that the seniors in your life will understand how to use the search feature or go through the app installation process.  Plus, you should let them be hands on with it from the beginning.  They are going to be the one using it from now on, so getting a feel for it now is a good step forward.

You can show them some applications that they can find a use for, such as health apps or games they enjoy playing normally. The more that they see is possible with apps, the more comfortable they will become doing their own searches.

Teach about tablet safety, such as basic password management.  They may prefer to write down their usernames and passwords, and save them in a safe place.  You may want to look into using a password service.  You can find some that offer apps that will not only save login information safely but will also generate safe passwords for websites to help prevent their accounts from being hacked.

The benefits that attract users to laptops can also be negatives in that they are easy for anyone to misplace or even steal.  This is just added security that the tablet will not go far, and can be found in the future.

Some seniors with no experience using technology may be overwhelmed with a screen full of application icons.  Find ones that you both agree will be appreciated at first, and go from there.  As they get more experienced with it, you may find that they have screen upon screen of their favorite games, book reader apps, and more.

The tech terms cookies and URL might seem like a foreign language to seniors new to technology.  It’s easy to assume that they know what you know, but this is not the case. Be sure that you are not losing them with the tech talk.

This may cut down on unexpected bank account or credit card charges.  Show your elder how they are able to password protect purchases to prevent them from making any unwanted purchases.

The seniors in your life might not need as much help as you thought that they did to get started with their new tablet.  You can then go over what is necessary for them to start exploring their new tech on their own.

Tablets can be a great way for a senior to stay productive and to keep in touch with family, all while learning new skills.  Tablets are often ready right out of the box to start connecting the seniors in your life with the world.

Be sure to set up an easy way on the tablet for you to be reached for any help they may need.