Learning How to Use New Technology
“Technology seems to be such an important tool for communication these days and I want to stay in touch with friends and family, but I’m just not comfortable with it yet. How do I get over my apprehension about learning how to use new technology? ”
Dear Nervous Tech Newbie,
Learning how to use new and unfamiliar technology can feel extremely overwhelming and intimidating, and it is very common to feel discouraged and embarrassed when you can’t seem to figure it out right away like your 10-year-old grandson can. I want to remind you that the ability or inability to use technology has nothing to do with intelligence or IQ--it’s just a matter of practice and getting more familiar with it.
In fact, statistics show that a growing number of older adults have been coming to embrace technology in recent years. According to research from the Stanford Center for Longevity, ⅔ of adults 65 and over now use the internet, and older adults are the fastest growing group of Facebook users. Smartphone ownership among those 65+ more than doubled between 2013 and 2017, and roughly three quarters of internet users 65 and older go online every day.
AARP reported that the technological divide between older and younger generations is rapidly shrinking; older adults alone are projected to spend $84 billion on tech products by the end of this decade. In addition to using technology to stay connected to friends and family, an AARP survey found that a full quarter of older adults are using technology for self-improvement and growth by taking online classes for certificates and degrees. Technology companies are taking this into consideration as they develop new products and services that cater to the needs and desires of this age group.
The bottom line is that as with learning any new skill, there is always a learning curve and you may encounter feelings of frustration at first. But with practice and patience, everyone is getting the hang of it, so don’t give up! Instead of trying to learn everything at once, have a friend or family member teach you how to do just one thing at a time. This will make the process less stressful.
For example, have them teach you how to:
Send an email
Send a text
Take a photo on a smartphone
Send a photo in a text
Start a video call
Watch a YouTube video
Do a Google search
Call an Uber ride
Send a Facebook message
Comment on a Facebook photo
Always take your time and take detailed notes so that you have a written set of steps and instructions that you can refer back to. You can do it!
Resources
How to Become Tech Savvy Seniors in 10 Days
https://www.aginginplace.org/how-to-become-tech-savvy-for-seniors-in-10-days/
Mather Institute: InvestigAge
https://www.matherinstitute.com/2019/07/26/older-adults-are-closing-the-technology-gap/
AARP: Older Consumers Represent a Growing Market for Tech
Stanford Center on Longevity: Older Adults and Technology--Moving Beyond the Stereotypes
http://longevity.stanford.edu/2019/05/30/older-adults-and-technology-moving-beyond-the-stereotypes/
Pew Research Center: Older Adults and Technology Use
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2014/04/03/older-adults-and-technology-use/
World Economic Forum: No longer just for the young--70% of seniors are now online
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/07/no-longer-just-for-the-young-70-of-seniors-are-now-online
AARP: Technology use and attitudes among mid-life and older Americans
AARP: Getting Connected--Older Americans embrace technology to enhance their lives
https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/technology/info-2018/technology-use-attitudes.html