December 22, 2014
More and more seniors have smart technology on their holiday lists. In fact, of the older adults who use the Internet, 71 percent go online every day or almost every day, and an additional 11 percent go online three to five times per week, according to recent data from the Pew Research Center. And according to the same research, seniors are more likely to own a tablet or e-reader than a smartphone.
Whether you choose a tablet, e-reader, or AARP’s new RealPad (made specifically for older adults, featuring larger icons, fonts and 24/7 live customer service), smart devices should make our lives easier, not more difficult. To keep gift giving stress-free this holiday season, check out these tech-savvy tips from Senior Care Corner when helping a loved one set up his or her device:
- Complete log-ins and registration with the gift receiver, then write down all of the log-ins and passwords and keep them in a safe place.
- Show them how to connect to current Wi-Fi, or the available Wi-Fi.
- Set up their email accounts and help to program any important phone numbers or email addresses.
- Set up applications that they might use frequently, such as Facebook, banking online, and newspapers they may read.
- Adjust the font size and brightness for what’s comfortable for their eyesight.
Whether your smart gift leads to enriching activities such as reading more novels and newspapers, being socially connected through emails, or an increase in brainpower—be sure to check in post-holiday season to keep tabs on any set-up snafus.
Continuum‘s home care services can include helping your loved ones stay in contact with friends and family members, and educate them about various technologies that can help them stay socially engaged. Contact Continuum to learn more about our senior assistance and home care services in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties.