Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, where the progression of new technologies is higher than ever in comparison to history. Modern technology is something that the youth is more accustomed to due to such technology being easily accessible and heavily reliable during their childhood. Older generations have had to experience this spurt in technology at a later stage in life. Hence, due to this divide, it is often far more challenging for seniors to adapt and use new technology as efficiently as the younger generation does [1]. 

There's multiple ways to analyze and assess the level of utilization of technology by seniors. One of those is to conduct a focus group. Focus groups are a form of research in which a group of people are asked about their attitude and/or feelings towards a concept. Questions are asked in an interactive group setting where participants are free to talk with other group members. Certain important - questions like “What is technology for you? What does the word technology bring to mind?” or “Which technologies do you use?” are great conversation starters [2]. Another method that could be used is an unstructured interview, where the conversation is very casual and informal, making the interviewee comfortable in answering the questions. As the questions are not predetermined, it can assist in gaining more information from the interviewee or the seniors [3]. Lastly, another method that can be used is observation. Observing the seniors in their daily life and assessing their use of technology would provide adequate information. It would also not require the seniors to be actively involved in the process of assessment. This would help one in analyzing what apps, websites or devices that seniors use most often. 

A Guide to Smartphones for Seniors

To start teaching seniors how to use a smartphone, we must first provide them with details and information on what a smartphone is and what functions it can provide. For example, while teaching a senior on how to use a smartphone, one must also mention that you can make calls, send messages, browse the web, take photos and play games or music on it. It should also be mentioned that a smartphone is rechargeable, hence it requires to be plugged into a charging socket regularly [4]. 

The first step is the choice of smartphone and data plan. To get started, one must present the seniors with the various options of smartphones, such as an iPhone or an Android. They must also be aware of the pros and cons of each one, so they can make a choice mindfully. Understanding data plans, how they work and their costs is also essential. The data plan must be provided by a network provider, where they have a wide range of choices. Connecting the phone to the wireless network where they reside is also ideal.

Secondly, once the smartphone is set up, the next step is to set up a password and login details for the phone. For ease of access and to prevent the seniors from being locked out of their phone, a simple, easy to remember password should be used to unlock the phone. Dates that are significant, like a birthday of a loved one, or an anniversary are not too easy to guess, and could be used. Next, the log in details such as the Google account for an Android or the iCloud login for an iPhone are to be set up. A similar method for a secure password can be used. 

Lastly, the apps that the senior would like to use should be downloaded. Apps like FaceBook to connect to other seniors and Messenger to talk to family members can be used. Apps like Spotify can be used to reconnect to music in an easier manner. The seniors must know how to use apps like Safari, Google or Chrome in order to browse the web and look up whatever they wish to. Additionally, one must ensure that they are aware to not share personal information such as bank account details on online forums or forms. 

Games are another fun smartphone offering that can help seniors engage. Games that are extremely popular and friendly for limited finger dexterity and mobility include FlowFree, which involves connecting two dots of the same color, FruitNinja, which involves cutting the fruit and dodging the bombs, AngryBirds, which involves launching birds at a tower of pigs to defeat them, are a few examples.

Other apps that they can download include Colorfy, which is an adult coloring book with intricate details, YouTube, which is a video streaming platform where they can watch videos on topics that interest them, or Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, all of which are OTT (over-the-top) streaming services which provide a wide selection of movies, TV shows, sports and documentaries. Some of these are subscription services, so ensure that they understand the potential cost. There are also apps that provide crosswords and sudoku, which can help increase their cognitive abilities. 

An important aspect for older persons to successfully learn is by teaching by example. Assisting them through any step that they find difficult is essential. Interact with them with patience and be kind. Patience and repetition for success means that to achieve significant goals, one must consistently practice and work towards them over time, accepting that progress may be slow and requiring a steady, persistent approach without getting discouraged by immediate results; essentially, the key to success lies in repeatedly putting in the effort while maintaining a patient mindset. 

Success Stories

Tech Savvy Seniors in NSW, Australia 

This is a government program by the NSW government which assists seniors in developing and improving their skills with  technology. It is offered at local libraries and community colleges. Community languages such as Mandarin, Arabic and Hindi are also offered by the initiative [6]. 

Cyber Seniors, USA

This community was created by the filmmakers of the documentary “Cyber-Seniors”. This non-profit organization provides tech training to older people on a volunteer model by presenting opportunities for younger people to volunteer and teach seniors how to use technology. Younger people are encouraged to gain mentorship and provide lessons to seniors [7]. 

Candoo Tech, USA

In order to help older persons feel more at ease using phones, computers, tablets, and other devices, Candoo Tech offers tech support and training. They collaborate with businesses such as senior living facilities, health insurance, healthcare providers, social service organizations, and individual customers. They provide countrywide and remote services [8].

References:

1. https://www.rcrwireless.com/20240913/ai-ml/ai-and-the-generational-divide-reader-forum 

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5649151 

3. https://aging.jmir.org/2023/1/e43197/ 

4. https://www.elderaid.in/resource-hub/basics-of-smartphones-for-seniors-a-printable-guide

5. https://www.instructables.com/Smartphone-for-SeniorsDummies/ 

6. https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/adult-and-community-education/ace-program-for-communities

7. https://cyberseniors.org 

8. https://www.candootech.com