Hello and welcome back to The Padded Room.
I'm Margo and I'm here with Wayne and this is Talking Tech with Wayne, the podcast dedicated
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Today we will be talking about how seniors can get started with technology.
In today's world technology has become an essential part of our lives and it's essential
to understand how it works especially for seniors.
Today we will be discussing some of the basics of technology that seniors can use in their
daily lives.
So let's start with the basics.
Wayne can you tell us what technology is?
Sure, technology refers to any tool or device that makes our lives easier or more efficient.
It includes computers, smartphones, tablets and any other digital device.
What are some of the benefits of technology for seniors?
There are several benefits of technology for seniors.
It helps them stay connected with their families and friends, keeps them informed about news
and events and help them manage their health and medication.
That's great to hear.
Wayne can you tell us some specific examples of how seniors can use technology?
Sure, for example, seniors can use a smartphone to make phone calls, send text messages and
video chat with families and friends.
They can also use a tablet or computer to access the internet, read books or watch movies.
Technology can also help seniors manage their health by using apps to track their medications,
monitor their blood pressure and even schedule doctor's appointments.
Those are some great examples.
What are some of the challenges that seniors may face when using technology?
Well, some may face some challenges when using technology such as difficulty with typing
or using a mouse, trouble seeing or hearing and not knowing how to use a device or an
app.
There are several ways to overcome these challenges such as using a larger screen or text size,
using voice activated assistance or taking a class to learn how to use the device.
That's good to know.
Are there any specific devices or apps that you would recommend for seniors?
Yes, there are several devices and apps that are specifically designed for seniors.
For example, the Amazon Echo and Google Home or Voice Activated Assistance that can help
seniors with tasks such as setting reminders or playing music.
The AARP also has created several apps for seniors such as the AARP Now app which provides
news and events and the AARP prescription app which helps seniors manage their medications.
Those are some great recommendations.
Now Wayne, let's talk about overcoming the fear technology which is something that many
seniors experience.
How can seniors overcome this fear?
That fear is understandable but it shouldn't stop seniors from using it.
One way to overcome this fear is to start with something simple like a basic smartphone
and gradually work their way up to more complex devices.
It's also helpful to find someone who is knowledgeable about technology and can provide
guidance and support.
Another way to overcome the fear of technology is to take a class or attend a workshop specifically
designed for seniors.
Playing Tech with Wayne has some of those.
That's great advice.
What are some of the benefits of attending these classes or workshops?
These classes and workshops can provide seniors with a supportive and comfortable learning
environment where they can ask questions and learn at their own pace.
They can also provide an opportunity to meet other seniors who are also learning about technology
and can offer support and advice.
That sounds like a great way to learn about technology.
Are there any online resources that seniors can use to learn about technology?
Yes.
There are several online resources available for seniors such as online tutorials, video
courses and webinars.
Some popular websites that offer these resources include SeniorNet, AARP and TechBooners.
That's great to know.
Thank you for those insights.
Now let's dive deeper into some essential tech devices that can make a significant difference
in the lives of our listeners.
Certainly, one of the most important devices that seniors can use is a smartphone.
A smartphone allows seniors to make calls, send messages and access the internet, all
in one place.
It is also helpful to have a smartphone with a larger screen or adjustable tech size to
make it easier to read.
That's a great suggestion.
What are some other essential tech devices that seniors can use?
Another is a tablet.
A tablet provides a larger screen to the smartphone as perfect for reading books, browsing the
internet or watching videos.
There are also tablets with voice activated assistance like Amazon's Electra or Apple's
Siri that can be helpful for seniors who have difficulty typing or using the touch screen.
That's a great suggestion.
What are some other essential tech devices that seniors can use?
What about laptops or computers?
Laptops or computers are also great devices for seniors who want to do more complex tasks
like creating documents or managing finances.
It's helpful to have a laptop or computer with the largest screen and a comfortable
keyboard and mouse to make it easier to use.
There are also specialized computers like the Tauketon or the Grandpad that are specifically
designed for seniors with larger icons and simplified interfaces.
Wayne, those are some great suggestions.
How can seniors stay safe while using these devices?
Safety is always concerned when using technology.
Seniors should always keep their devices updated with the latest security patches and if appropriate
use antivirus software.
They should also be cautious of suspicious emails or websites that may concern malware
or viruses.
It is also important to be aware of scams that target seniors such as phishing or tech support
scams.
Thank you for those tips on staying safe.
Now let's talk about some of the best apps for seniors.
What are some apps that can be helpful for seniors?
There are several apps that can be helpful depending on their interests and needs.
For example, the AARP has created several apps like the AARP Now app which provides news
and events and the AARP medication app which helps seniors manage their medications.
Other apps that seniors might find helpful include Luminosity which provides brain training
games and GoodRx which helps seniors find the best prices on prescription and medications.
Those are some great suggestions.
Are there any apps that can help seniors stay connected with their loved ones?
Yes, there are several apps that can help seniors stay connected with their family and
friends.
For example, Skype, FaceTime and Zoom are all video chat apps that allow seniors to
see and talk to their loved ones even if they're far away.
Facebook is another app that can be helpful for seniors to stay in touch with family and
friends.
That's great to know.
What about apps that can help seniors manage their health?
There are several help related apps that can address that.
For example, the MyFitnessPal app can help seniors track their exercise and diet and
the MedSafe app can help seniors manage their medications by reminding them when to take
their pills.
The American Heart Association also has an app called Heart360 which can help seniors
manage their heart health.
Another app that I would recommend is the Nextdoor app.
It's a social network app that connects seniors with their neighbors, allowing them to share
information, ask for help, or simply get to know each other.
It can be helpful for seniors who may feel isolated or alone.
That's a great suggestion.
Now let's talk about how seniors can choose the right tech device for their needs.
Wayne, what are some things that seniors should consider when choosing a tech device?
When choosing a tech device, seniors should also consider their specific needs and abilities.
For example, they may want a device with a larger screen or adjustable text if they have
trouble seeing.
They may also want a device with activated assistance or simplified interfaces if they
have difficulty typing or using a touch screen.
It is also important to consider devices features such as battery life and storage capacity
as well as its price.
Those are some great points.
What about operating systems?
Should seniors choose a device with a specific operating system?
Yes, the operating system can be an important factor to consider.
For example, if seniors are already familiar with the Windows operating system, they may
prefer a laptop or a computer with Windows.
If they're already familiar with the Apple ecosystem, they may prefer an iPhone or iPad.
It's important to choose a device with an operating system that they're comfortable using and
that may meet their needs.
That's a great point.
What about accessories?
Are there any accessories that can make it easier for seniors to use their devices?
Yes, there are several accessories that can make it easier for seniors to use their devices.
For example, a larger screen or adjustable text size can be helpful for seniors with vision
problems.
A comfortable keyboard and mouse can also make it easier to use a laptop or computer.
There are also specialized accessories like styluses and touch pads that can help seniors
who have difficulty using a touch screen.
Those are some great suggestions.
Before we wrap up this episode, do you have any final thoughts on how seniors can choose
the right tech device?
Yes, my final thought is that seniors should take the time to research and try out different
devices before making a purchase.
They should also consider their specific needs or abilities and choose a device that fits
those needs.
It's also helpful to find someone who is knowledgeable about the technology and can
provide guidance and support.
As with all the information we share here, flex your Google search muscles, log into
our website or call our helpline.
That number is 215-406-HELP.
That's 215-406-4357.
Well, I see that's all the time I have for today.
And it has been my pleasure to be here.
And I look forward to the next time we can do it again.
I wish you all a farewell.