Chances are, you use tech in your everyday life to stay in touch with your friends, access information and make your life easier. So why shouldn’t your aging family members be able to take advantage of these benefits as well? Tech can be so simple for just about any senior to use and there are endless tech tools that can help seniors feel comfortable, safe and perhaps even a little less lonely. Want to know more? Then you should read through these tech tips.
Safety Should Always Come First
Before you get your parents or grandparents connected to technology, you may want to spend some time going over a few basic tips on digital safety. Because while the internet is full of useful information and tools for seniors, it can also be full of some pretty serious hazards. From identity theft to virus infections, there are so many ways that cybercriminals are looking to prey on technology users these days. Unfortunately, CNBC notes older adults can be at an increased risk for being targeted by these would-be criminals. So it’s always best for your loved ones to play it safe.
Technology Can Boost Home Security
You can use the tools and tips above to protect your senior loved ones from threats online but what about threats to their safety at home? If you’re worried about criminals targeting your senior family members because they live alone, you can always look into home security tech that can deter break-ins. For example, a smart home security system can be pretty simple for you to set up and can be connected to your phone and your loved one’s phone to alert you both to suspicious activity. A video doorbell can also be a neat piece of tech to keep seniors safe.
Online Tools Can Provide Budget Help
If you can’t be near your loved ones, you may worry about whether they will be able to stick to their retirement budget. Thankfully, you can connect your older relatives to budgeting tools online and on their smartphone that can help them keep their spending on track. You can also help your seniors lower their expenses and secure their financial future by researching their health insurance options. Want to save even more time and hassle? Then have your loved ones reach out to an experienced agent like Chris Goodbaudy for their health insurance needs.
Tech Tools Can Keep Families Connected
Even if you live nearby, there may be times when you simply cannot visit with your senior loved ones in person. In 2020, ABC News points out that the COVID-19 pandemic has made this a fact of life for many seniors and their loved ones, with older adults struggling with loneliness as a result. This is why it’s important to find ways to stay connected to your older loved ones, even when you can’t be in the same state, city or even home. Tech apps like Skype, WhatsApp and FaceTime can all make maintaining this connection easy, with options for video calls, voice calls and texts.
Technology Can Keep Older Adults Company
Tech can help you stay in touch with older family members but you can’t necessarily stay connected all of the time. If you are concerned about your loved ones getting lonely when you can’t call or text, know that there are tech solutions that can help. One of the simplest steps you can take is to set up social media accounts for your loved ones, so that they feel connected to you and the outside world on a regular basis. Another fun way to keep your aging loved ones from feeling isolated is to gift them with a smartspeaker, which can provide other benefits too.
Your aging relatives can get just as many benefits from tech as you do. In fact, they may be able to get even more. So think about picking up some new tech for your older loved ones. Then you can have the peace of mind knowing they are safe and can reach out to you when needed.
Thanks to Mary Shannon of seniorsmeet.org for sharing this article.
Photo Credit: Rawpixel
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