Top 5 Challenges for Aging Adults When Using Technology
By Gary Hightower 8 am on
Technology can provide an excellent way for seniors to connect with others, explore new ideas, and even get the healthcare they need. However, many seniors face difficulty with the idea of using technology. Understanding the challenges seniors face can help you find ways to help your aging loved one overcome these difficulties.
1. Limited Dexterity
Due to arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions, it can be difficult for seniors to perform the touchscreen gestures needed to navigate a lot of newer technology. Try to address this problem by selecting devices that are easier to control. You can find options with special mice, controllers, or extra-large buttons. Another solution may be teaching your loved one how to use voice commands.
2. Lack of Knowledge about Uses for Technology
Seniors often avoid learning to use technology because they’ve gotten by just fine without it for years. Many make the mistake of assuming technology is just for teens to make videos or overcomplicate social interactions. If you want your loved one to experience the benefits of using technology, try discussing ways it can make life easier. This may motivate your loved one to give technology a try.
3. Anxiety about Understanding Computers
A lot of seniors avoid using computers because they feel ashamed they cannot pick things up instantaneously. It’s important for seniors to realize there’s no reason to be ashamed. Everyone has difficulty learning technology when it’s completely new to them. To reduce these fears, most seniors can benefit from one-on-one tutoring. Familiarity with technology can make it seem less intimidating. By taking things slowly and having concepts fully explained to them, seniors can develop confidence in their ability to use technology. Computers, smartphones, and other tech devices make life easier, but they can also pose unique challenges for seniors. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable at-home care. Arlington, TX, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
4. Vision Impairments
As people age, their eyesight often decreases. Seniors may find it difficult to see small details, differentiate colors, and distinguish low-contrast items, which can lead to complaints that looking at screens hurts their eyes or gives them headaches. It may be helpful to adjust the settings on your loved one’s devices. Enlarging the font, increasing the contrast, and boosting the brightness on a screen can make it easier to see everything. You may want to consider devices that use technology such as e-ink, which creates a screen without using light, making it easier for a senior with sensitive vision to use. Vision problems aren’t the only health issues older adults are susceptible to. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
5. Overwhelming Complexity
When teaching seniors about technology, people have a tendency to get excited and provide too much information all at once, which can make it challenging to remember things and gives seniors the idea that technology is confusing and overwhelming. To help with memory challenges, try writing down simple steps for basic technology functions. Avoid providing information your loved one doesn’t need to know yet, and stick with the basics needed to learn to perform relevant tasks. From using high-tech gadgets to managing basic housekeeping tasks, older adults often require help with a variety of activities. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Arlington seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at (817) 591-1580 today.
