How to Become More Confident with Technology

This article was contributed by Annie Button.

Technology has become an integral part of everybody’s daily life, whether it’s communicating with loved ones, accessing healthcare services, finding directions, managing finances, or anything in between. The rapid growth of accessible technology and smartphones has undoubtedly unlocked numerous benefits that make life easier and more enjoyable.

However, for many adults, embracing technology hasn’t always been an easy task. If anything, the idea of trying to keep up with the pace of modern technology can be quite daunting, especially for the older generations. An underlying fear of the unknown, an overwhelming lack of confidence and concerns about security and privacy, are just a few factors that can create huge barriers for elderly people to adopt new technology, even with their relatives’ help.

If we consider the younger generations are growing up with a plethora of technology around them, it’s no surprise that elderly relatives feel “in the dark”. Embracing the technology to stay in touch with them and maintain relationships, let alone manage many daily activities, can be quite daunting.

Luckily, with a few simple steps, elderly people can quickly and confidently embrace technology. This short guide aims to provide practical tips and strategies to help older adults overcome these short-term challenges and feel more “at peace” with technology as they age.

1. Understand the Benefits of Technology for Older Adults

Before taking a deep dive into the world of technology, it’s essential to understand how it can make a positive impact on us later in life. Technology encompasses a broad range of products and solutions that can help, including (but not limited to):

• Fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitoring systems: These appliances allow users to create a record of their daily activities that then connects to a computer or smartphone. This allows participants to view aspects such as heart rate, calories burned, steps taken, and encourage better decisions with regard to exercise, health, and well-being.
• Entertainment apps: There are a wealth of entertainment apps, from video streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Disney+, to audio streaming platforms like Spotify, Audible, and Apple Music, to name just a few. You can watch films, television, listen to music or audiobooks, play games, or immerse yourself in some online courses or educational resources. Technology has made all this content digestion easier.
• Internet browsing: This has become most people’s first resort when looking for answers, and it helps complete daily tasks in much quicker time. For example, dealing with household affairs such as ordering a weekly food shop delivery from the supermarket, or managing your bank account and pension finances. Equally, it makes it easier to access the news, or stay in touch with friends and family via email, social media like Facebook or Instagram, or video tools like Zoom or FaceTime.
• Telehealth services and solutions: Technology also extends into the area of health services and solutions, and recent statistics suggest roughly 500,000 people are currently supported by some form of digital home care. Assistance within the home can range from stairlifts and mobility scooters to fall detectors and personal alarms such as our own Careline pendant. Depending on an individual’s mobility and accessibility, technology helps to overcome short-term obstacles without compromising on independence.

2. Smart Small and Build Confidence Gradually

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and as such, becoming more confident with technology takes time and patience. Delving into as many technology solutions as possible is not the ideal way to build confidence. Instead, focusing on one type of tech at a time and taking small steps to become more acquainted with the processes involved will have a greater effect.

For example, learning how to use a smartphone or tablet for basic tasks like sending messages, making calls, or browsing the internet, is a practical beginning. As things become more comfortable, new applications and features can be tried to expand skills.

3. Prioritise Security and Privacy

Technology can feel scary for elderly people and it can be reassuring to know that any concerns about security and privacy are valid. It’s important for everyone to be familiar with some basic digital safety tips, such as using strong passwords, avoiding clicking suspicious links, or downloading unsafe attachments and protecting personal information.

Being wary about clicking or engaging with anything or anyone that we don’t know personally is sensible practice. Personally identifiable or health information should never be divulged through unsecure email channels or social media messages, especially with unknown sources. Adding reputable antivirus software to keep devices and applications updated with security patches is a further prudent step.

4. Practice Regularly

Becoming proficient with new technology or devices is like learning any new hobby or skill: practice makes perfect. So, finding a genuine reason to use technology and refine abilities with dedicated time each day or week helps to build confidence, reinforce knowledge, and achieve goals with more ease each time.

5. Embrace Simplicity and Accessibility Features

Many leading tech companies have recognised the struggles that older adults have when trying to get to grips with new devices or software. As such, they have taken greater care in implementing accessibility features, user-friendly interfaces, and easy-to-understand language to help them overcome barriers more confidently.

Devices and applications now offer users the chance to adjust font sizes, integrate voice commands, make navigation easier, and more, which can make services easier to access and less frustrating for users. Embrace these features where applicable to increase the confidence levels that can fail us as we age.

6. Seek Support and Guidance

The golden rule is to never put off asking for help. Whether it’s family members, friends, or tech experts, they will be willing to help you from time to time, especially when an older person really needs it. If they are further away than you’d like, it can be reassuring to find local groups that offer workshops or classes to help older adults learn about technology in a supportive, productive, and stress-free environment.

Becoming more tech-savvy in our golden years requires a willingness to learn, patience, and commitment. Proficiency does not come straight away, but with regular practice on a select few functions, along with embracing the learning process, you will be amazed how even the most timid can become tech confident. Celebrate skills achieved in using mobile phones, social media, applications, email, and more. Don’t be dissuaded if an older relative hits a setback. Remember, it’s never too late to learn and adapt to the evolving digital terrain.

If you’re seeking additional support and peace of mind, with user-friendly technology for older adults, consider exploring Careline365’s personal alarm services. Our advanced alarm systems provide 24/7 monitoring and assistance, ensuring safety and independence at home. To find out more, please don’t hesitate to call our team on 0800 030 8777.