Older adults continue embracing technology at a rapid pace, but if you haven’t quite yet — don’t fret! You have ample time to familiarize yourself with tech and find ways it can make your life more fun, convenient and connected.

Reasons Older Adults Love Technology

Time changes the way we enjoy life’s simple pleasures, even more so now than in the past. The bright side? We get to enjoy entertainment, receive the things we need and connect and communicate with others in the process. In recent years, seniors have turned to smartphones, tablets and PCs to keep up with the evolving world around them.

Easy Access to Free and Inexpensive Entertainment

What if you could find and watch old TV shows and movies just by searching for them on an app? Streaming apps for handheld devices and smart TVs let you do just that, and many such as Tubi and Crackle don’t even cost a dime. Premium services with the latest blockbusters, documentaries and binge-worthy series — think Netflix and Hulu — charge a monthly fee, but they don’t cost nearly as much as packages with cable or satellite TV services, helping you save money on entertainment costs.

If you love music, you can also sign up with apps such as Spotify to build playlists featuring your favorite songs and artists. Kindle Unlimited’s expansive e-book library is also a great option if you love to read.

Convenient Delivery of Gifts and Life’s Necessities

Running errands is more convenient when you have app-based delivery services on your side. If you need groceries but can’t run to the store, Instacart can do your shopping for you at a variety of local stores that sign up for the service. In many urban areas, Amazon Prime offers same-day grocery delivery via its Fresh service, and signing up also provides you with access to streaming services. Likewise, major retailers have services like Walmart+, which offers free same-day delivery with membership — plus access to other benefits, including a free membership to Paramount+ streaming services.

Staying in Touch With Friends and Family Members

Staying social helps keep you feeling young, especially in assisted living communities. Embracing technology provides you with a link to your senior friends across town or the country, plus your family members — especially the younger ones! Sharing on social media platforms like Facebook lets you keep up with their lives and communicate in real time. If you can’t get together for holidays, you can always Facetime with your grandkids or do a group Zoom call.

Ways You Can Start Embracing Technology

If you’re holding out on embracing technology, that’s understandable. But if you like the idea of having the world at your fingertips and are looking for ways to beat loneliness, learning to love modern devices can help you figure out ways to make your life easier and more fun.

Get a Device and Learn How to Use It

Smartphones let you dip your toe into the world of technology, providing access to phone calls, texts and all kinds of social media, shopping and entertainment apps. Facetime enables real-time video calls on Apple-based devices, while Facebook Messenger lets you speak with loved ones over the internet, with or without video.

Free YouTube tutorials can help you learn how to use your device, and many libraries, community centers and senior communities provide classes to help you get more comfortable with this technology on your terms.

Use Voice Assistants Like Alexa and Siri

With voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri, you simply ask and then receive. You can access them on your smartphone or tablet or via stand-alone speakers that listen for commands, then deliver results. Many can also connect with smart technology in your home, letting you control lighting and see who’s at your door from anywhere as long as you have your device. These voice assistants can tell you the weather, play your favorite music and set important reminders for you, so you have an easy way to access key information any time you need it with just a few words.

Ask Friends and Family to Help You Out

Tech-savvy friends and family members can help you set up your devices and learn how to use them. Most younger people are more than happy to help out seniors who show a genuine interest, and many grandparents bond with their grandkids over technology.

Remember — don’t get discouraged. We all have to learn, and there’s no rush. If you get stuck, the device in your hand lets you call or text someone for help or search for a tutorial. You’ve got this.

It may seem complicated at first, but technology can make life easier for everyone, helping them feel more connected. The convenience offered helps seniors at The Gardens at Collinwood Assisted Living and elsewhere get whatever they need without leaving their apartments. Sharing your life experiences via technology with friends and family also keeps your mind sharp while leaving an online legacy your loved ones can look back on as the years go by.

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