More seniors starting to embrace technology
NEW YORK (AP) — Studies show that the number of seniors who use technology such as smartphones, global positioning system (GPS), computers/tablets and e-readers is increasing.
Many seniors find technology to be helpful – once they learn how to use it – and feel it improves the quality of their lives.
Baby boomers are the most active senior generation in history, but they were not born with technology like video games or cell phones/smartphones.
Because of that, it’s been challenging for them to adapt to the increasingly digital world in which they live.
INTERNET
By 2014, over half of all baby boomers were using more than one piece of technology, such as a cell phone, tablet and/or computer. This might be for work, and/or to stay connected to family and friends, according to the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project.
Boomers read daily newspapers, but they also turn to the Internet for their news almost as much as any other age group. They like being able to go online to their news sources’ websites to get additional/ breaking information about world events, sports and entertainment.
Pew’s data shows that many Web users over age 65 go online on a daily basis, and more than half use social media (such as Facebook) as well as e-mail and search engines.
While some are hesitant to start using the Internet, once older adults get online, they tend to be very active.
About a third of all seniors say they own their own tablets or computers. Once older adults discover the ways in which the Internet and social media enhance their lives, they become more open to paying for those services.
GPS
Boomers have shown they like to use GPS. This U.S-operated system uses a network of satellites that orbit the Earth. Your GPS receiver can pinpoint your location.
Seniors especially like the larger screens and improved readability of some systems, such as the ones that come in most new cars.
They find it much better than using paper maps in their car, as they used to have to do.
KINDLES/E-READERS
Currently, about one in five seniors owns an e-reader. Younger seniors are more likely than older counterparts to own them.
Owners like the ease and convenience they offer. They can access thousands of books through the thin devices that can store text from digitized books, newspapers and magazines.
Many boomers look for large-print books, and the ability to change the font size of text on e-readers is a big plus.
SMARTPHONES
More than half of Americans over 50 own a smartphone, according to AARP research on technology trends among mid-life and older Americans.
One reason they like them is that they love to text, and smartphones make that easy to do.
Also, they appreciate the speed and convenience texting offers. They can get quick responses to questions, or when they want to just say hello to friends and family.
Smartphone ownership among seniors varies quite a bit by age: 59 percent of 65to 69-year-olds own smartphones, but only 17 percent of those age 80 and older are smartphone owners.
“I teach classes on iPhones and Samsung phones. A lot of people here have these devices and don’t really know what to do with them. Sons and daughters may have bought them for their parents,” said Amy Craddock, director of health and fitness at The Abbey at Westminster. “Some have Kindles and/or iPads.”
Craddock said that the seniors there are choosing what technology they want to use. Some don’t want any part of it.
Why do some resist technology?
When asked why they did not go online, some seniors said they didn’t need it, didn’t see the benefit of it or didn’t know how to access it.
Another possible reason is that many seniors live on tight budgets. Buying a computer and having to pay for Internet access might be too expensive.
WANT TO LEARN?
Learning to use new technology has not always been smooth for seniors. Anxiety and intimidation are the main factors preventing seniors from trying out new technology.
Experts say that anyone who wants to learn how to use technology should start slowly. Start with one piece of tech and learn how to use that before trying to learn about anything else.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Many adult day programs and community centers offer beginning computer and personal technology classes and workshops for older adults who are new to technology. To learn what’s available in your area, check at a local public library, senior center or college.
TechBoomers.com is a free educational website that teaches people how to use popular websites, and see what’s available there. Tutorials are offered on social websites, shopping sites, YouTube and more.
The free online instructional service GCFLearnFree.org offers tutorials about more than 180 topics, such as Microsoft Office, email, reading, math, etc. The Goodwill Community Foundation supports it.
YouTube (www.youtube. com) offers hundreds of tutorials on a variety of subjects. To use it, go to the site. In the search field, type “how to use a smartphone” or whatever else you want to learn.