This Grandparents’ Day, Educate your Grandmas or Grandpas on Technology

Our grandparents have done so much for us. Whether it’s sharing tales of wisdom or loving us unconditionally, their role in our lives is immensely meaningful. Amidst our busy schedules, we should take time out to be with them. A good way to tighten your bond with them is by teaching them the basics of technology. Yes, you read that right!

Today, technology has helped bring people together. While it has hugely benefited millennials and our parents, unfortunately, it has also driven people generationally apart. Most of our grandparents are not-so-tech-savvy and are uncomfortable using a smartphone and the internet. This Grandparents’ Day, let’s take an extra moment to appreciate all the joy and wisdom our grandparents bring to our lives.

Most of our grandparents are reluctant to learn anything new as this means a change in their habits. However, with a little push from your side, they can become tech-savvy and learn new gadgets. In fact, once they learn the basics, they can use this knowledge to stay in touch with their grandchildren. It definitely bridges the generational communication gap.

Giving your grandma or grandpa a lesson in digital technology isn’t something as easy as it seems to be. Therefore, there are certain tips you must keep in mind.

Tips to Give your Grandparents Tech Lessons

• Find out what technology interests them

Even before you start the process, find out which technology or device appeals to them the most. This will help them learn and grasp better. Instead of teaching them how to use different devices, start with one gadget. It may be a smartphone, tablet or laptop. If there’s something they want to learn, start with that. For example, my grandma wanted me to teach her how to add contacts into her phone and type messages on WhatsApp. So, even before teaching her other functions of a smartphone, I made sure I taught her what she wanted to learn first.

• Be patient

When you’re teaching your loved ones how to use technology, it’s natural to lose patience. However, you should keep in mind that they didn’t grow up on emojis, messengers and social media. Therefore, it’s important to be patient and considerate. Sometimes it can be frustrating if they don’t grasp things that seem intuitive to you. You need to think about how you can explain each individual step of the topic. Teach them the basics and allow them to practice every new step before introducing them to another concept.

We recommend you start with texting as it’s a great way for them to keep in touch with their children and grandchildren. Get them to practice in your presence and be gentle with them. There may be a lot of silly questions that may come up but keep your cool and answer them. Give them another demonstration if need be.

• Increase the size of keys and fonts on their devices

We have to accept that with age, human vision tends to reduce. Sometimes people of our age find it a strain looking at the keyboard on our smartphone. Imagine our grandparents. Thus, even before you begin your lessons with them, increase the size of the on-screen keyboard keys and the font size. This will help them consume more content without straining their eyes.

• Use a lot of visuals

When you’re teaching senior citizens how to use technology, use visuals and illustrations to support what you’re saying. If you don’t, everything you say will sound like Greek and Latin to them. Make it interesting for them. If you don’t show enthusiasm in what you’re teaching, their approach may be casual too. We suggest you include images, pictures and diagrams in your lessons. This will help them grasp concepts better. Also, as you teach them, actually have them do those things rather than simply showing them. As far as possible avoid complex terms such as data speeds, internet router, and so on. Make it easy for them to find the apps they’re going to be using by creating shortcuts on the home screen of their smartphone.

• Leave them with a set of instructions

At their age, it’s natural for them to forget easily. For you, it’s not rocket science but for them it actually is. If you live with your grandparents, you can help them whenever they ask but what if you don’t? Well, in that case, you can leave them with a set of instructions. Add all the steps you’ve taught them along with complimenting images. They can refer to this manual whenever they get stuck.

• Focus on building confidence

When dealing with technology, fear is a major factor. If they don’t understand anything, they might find it scary. Thus, it’s important to replace fear with confidence. Encourage your grandparents to explore freely.

• Explain to them the importance of privacy and online security

Technology and digital concepts sometimes become very overwhelming. When your grandparents learn what all they can do with their smartphone, they might tend to get a bit carried away. As much as expanded communication, gaming and online shopping is useful, it can be dangerous. Thus, keep reiterating the importance of safety and security in all your lessons. Explain to them what the potential hazards are and make them aware of email scams and spams. Also, ask them not to share their personal or banking information with anybody over a call or message. Once they are taught, they will not fall prey to cyber criminals.

Conclusion

Everyone wants their grandparents to live safely, comfortably and in good health. In today’s day and age, technology definitely helps the elderly stay connected with the outside world including their friends and children. They spend most of their time at home. As a grandchild, you can make their regular days less boring by helping them grasp a new skill. It helps them overcome their loneliness too. Always remember, no one is too old to learn. In the quest of giving them regular lessons, your bond too will become much stronger. At that age, all they yearn for is care and companionship. This little initiative from your end will play a huge role in helping seniors triumph over the digital divide.