Technology has become part of nearly every aspect of our lives, from connecting with loved ones to shopping or staying entertained. For seniors, especially those in an Assisted Living community, keeping up with rapid technological developments can be challenging, even frustrating at times. If you’ve become overwhelmed by technology, you’re not alone. In this article, we share practical tips and strategies to learn how to use technology confidently.
Look for tutorials and informational videos on YouTube to help you learn how to use your phone, tablet or computer. Whether you’re trying to set up a new email account, use social media, place a video call or troubleshoot a specific app or features, you’ll probably find a video that explains it step by step. Simply type your question into YouTube’s search bar, and see what kind of helpful videos pop up. You can pause and rewind these videos until you fully grasp what to do.
Additionally, Assisted Living communities often have computer classes and hands-on support to help you with your questions. The Providence in Fairfax, Virginia, has a technical professional on-site who can help resolve residents’ computer issues. You can get hands-on training and personalized guidance from this expert to help you learn to use your devices to your advantage.
Local senior centers and public libraries are often great resources for learning more about technology. Many of them offer free or low-cost training designed specifically for seniors. With the right support, you can gain the skills to make technology a helpful part of your daily life.
As a senior in Fairfax, you have numerous resources to turn to. For example, Neighborhood and Community Services offers a wide variety of technology training courses at its Senior Centers throughout Fairfax County. Courses may include:
Class schedules vary by location, providing ample opportunities to find something convenient for you to attend.The Fairfax County Library offers various technology skills-building events county-wide, and many events are free of charge. You can also access free video courses covering computer basics and popular software through its LearningExpress Library — Computer Skills Center or take one of over 55 Universal Classes in the Computer & Technology category for free. All you need to participate in these programs is a library card.Be Patient With YourselfIf you’ve had limited experience with technology, learning something new can feel daunting, but remind yourself to be patient. Everyone learns new things at their own pace, and it’s natural to take time to get comfortable with new devices or apps. Don’t be discouraged if you make mistakes because mistakes are part of the learning process.If you feel yourself becoming stressed, take a break and try again later. Breaking tasks into smaller steps and focusing on mastering one thing at a time can make things easier. Also, remember you’re not alone. Many seniors in Assisted Living may feel the same as you. However, if you’ve completely lost patience, support is available. Whether you ask a tech-savvy friend or family member or the on-site tech expert at The Providence for assistance, someone can help you build confidence and enjoy the many benefits of using technology.Ask QuestionsWhether taking a class or getting help from a family member or someone in your Assisted Living community, asking questions is one of the best ways to make progress. If something doesn’t make sense, don’t hesitate to speak up, even if you feel it’s something very basic. The answers to your questions can often save you time and frustration and help you confidently move forward in your learning.You might find it helpful to write down questions as they come to mind, so you don’t forget precisely what you need to ask someone knowledgeable when you have a chance to talk to them. The more questions you ask, the better equipped you become in navigating your devices or using new apps.Take It SlowWhen diving into new technology, pace yourself. Instead of trying to learn everything at once, which can confuse you, focus on mastering one task or feature at a time. Start with something simple, such as sending a text message or setting up a Skype call, before moving on to more advanced functions, including sharing photos or using emojis. Breaking things into manageable steps can make the process feel less overwhelming. Trying to rush through learning can lead to unnecessary frustrations. Give yourself permission to slow down, and you’ll likely find building new skills more enjoyable.Embrace the Possibilities at The ProvidenceTechnology doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right resources and patience, you can use it to learn new skills, make digital connections or find new forms of entertainment. At The Providence, we’re committed to helping residents explore learning opportunities. Contact us at 571-550-9102 to learn more about the activities we have for our residents, including technology courses designed specifically for seniors.
