A Guest Blog by Digital Outreach Coordinator Marisela Martinez
Since we delivered the first Heart2Heart iPads, I’ve been visiting care centers to teach seniors how to use the new devices. Juan invited me to share what I’ve learned through the classes.
Mostly, I’ve been impressed at how quickly seniors learn to use the iPads. After a few minutes, they just know what to do.
Here are some tips for teaching seniors to use new devices.
1. Start with their interests
One of my favorite ways to start a class is to ask the seniors for their favorite musical artists. Everyone likes to listen to music. Once they pick an artist, we look for their songs on YouTube.
The seniors are amazed at what they find: So many songs that are so old that they don’t play them on the radio anymore!
Don’t make them feel more frustrated because they don’t get something at first. Just keep trying because they’ll get it. They will!
One of my seniors wasn’t able to watch the news on his small TV. It was a big deal for him to look up the news online and zoom in and zoom out on the words of the articles.
Once you find out what it is they like, and they discover what they’re able to do with the iPad, that opens them up to learning it. Find out what their interests are and go from there.
2. Have patience
In our iPad classes, we start with the basics and go slowly. Just learning how to swipe, tap and double tap can take time.
Don’t make them feel more frustrated because they don’t get something at first. Just keep trying because they’ll get it. They will!
It’s also important to solve problems with them. For example, sometimes a senior’s hands are shaky so that it’s hard for them to do a single tap on a touch screen. That’s something they can’t control. Provide a stylus to make it easier for them.
3. Suggest they take notes
Repetition is the key to learning new skills. Encourage your loved one to write down the steps to open their favorite app or to find the local news.
You might even provide a notebook just for notes on using their device. That way, they can go back to it and practice when you’re not around. The more comfortable they feel trying out a new skill, the faster they will learn it.
I also tell my students to write down all the questions they have. The next time we meet, I can address those questions.
4. Encourage them to explore
Juan talked about how the fear of making a mistake can prevent seniors from getting comfortable with a new device. So encourage your loved one: Don’t be afraid!
I tell my students, “The home button is your best friend. If you don’t know what you did, just press this button, and it’ll take you back to the home screen.”
5. Check out our training videos
If you need more help getting teaching seniors to use a new device, check out our training videos. They’re less than a few minutes each, and they go over basic skills.
And if helping seniors navigate new devices sounds fulfilling, we have the perfect volunteer opportunity! We’re currently training digital volunteers to lead a weekly iPad class in specific care centers across Broward County. Call me and join us!
