Tech Education for Seniors

Summary

Jeffrey Fowler from The Wall Street Journal discusses tips for seniors to improve their tech skills, emphasizing that they should avoid relying on their children for help, as it can strain relationships. He compares learning new technology to learning a new language, highlighting the importance of patience. Fowler suggests that tech companies should consider seniors' needs more seriously and design products accordingly. He also recommends public libraries and senior centers as valuable resources for tech support. Fowler emphasizes the importance of mainstream platforms and warns against using outdated or specialized devices for seniors.

Takeaways

• 👴 Seniors are increasingly comfortable with technology, but some still require assistance to improve their tech skills.
• 🙅‍♂️ Jeffrey Fowler suggests seniors should not rely solely on their children for tech support, as it can lead to stress and impatience.
• 📚 Learning to use new technology is akin to learning a new language, and it should be approached with patience and gradual progress.
• 👶 The stress of teaching parents can be similar to teaching children to drive or swim, often causing tension within families.
• 🧐 There's an implicit ageism that can affect how we perceive and assist older adults with technology, which can be counterproductive.
• 🤔 The younger generation's fast-paced interaction with technology can inadvertently make seniors feel inadequate or slow.
• 📈 Tech companies should consider seniors as a significant market and ensure their devices are user-friendly for all age groups.
• 🏛 Public libraries are a valuable resource for seniors seeking help with technology, with many offering free tech support.
• 🌐 Senior centers like 'Senior Planet' provide community-based learning environments that are inclusive and effective for seniors.
• 📱 Handing down outdated technology to seniors can be a disservice; they deserve updated devices for better user experience.
• 👎 Devices specifically designed for seniors often focus too much on disabilities rather than generational needs and learning styles.
• 🔗 Keeping seniors within mainstream platforms allows them to stay connected with family and friends using the same technology.

Q & A

What is the main advice given by Jeffrey Fowler for seniors learning technology?

Jeffrey Fowler suggests that seniors should not rely solely on their children for tech support, as learning tech can be stressful and patience issues may arise when teaching family members.

Why might learning to use technology be compared to learning a new language?

Learning to use technology is similar to learning a new language because both require patience, time, and can be stressful, especially when trying to learn quickly or when the learner feels they are not keeping up.

What is the impact of teaching parents to use technology on the relationship between parents and children?

Teaching parents to use technology can bring out patience issues and stress, potentially straining the relationship, as children may not be as patient as they would be with strangers, and parents may feel their authority is challenged.

How does implicit ageism affect the interaction between seniors and their children when learning technology?

Implicit ageism can cause young people to become stressed when they see their parents struggling with technology, which in turn can stress the older individuals who feel they are being viewed and treated differently.

What is the importance of not rushing when teaching seniors to use new technology?

Not rushing is important because it allows seniors to learn at a comfortable pace, avoiding feelings of inadequacy and frustration that can arise from trying to keep up with a faster pace.

Why should tech support for seniors be approached as if teaching a new language?

Approaching tech support like language teaching emphasizes the gradual learning process, setting realistic expectations, and avoiding overwhelming the learner with too much information too quickly.

What is a common mistake made by younger generations when helping seniors with technology?

A common mistake is making quick changes to the senior's device settings or apps without explaining, which can confuse seniors and make them feel unable to use their own devices.

What is the role of public libraries in helping seniors learn technology?

Public libraries play a significant role by offering free support and training on how to use new technology, making them an accessible resource for seniors to improve their tech skills.

What is the potential issue with handing down outdated technology to seniors?

Handing down outdated technology can be a mistake because it may not meet the senior's needs or expectations, and it can perpetuate the idea that seniors do not deserve the latest technology.

What is the role of community centers in providing tech support for seniors?

Community centers, such as Senior Planet, offer training and a social environment where seniors can learn technology in a supportive community, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective.

Why should tech companies consider seniors when developing their products?

Tech companies should consider seniors because they represent a significant market segment with unique needs and the potential to benefit greatly from technology that is designed with them in mind.

What is the issue with devices specifically designed for seniors that focus on disabilities?

Devices designed for disabilities may not meet the broader needs of the senior population and can isolate them from mainstream platforms, preventing them from using the same tools as their family and friends.