Tech Options That Work Best For Seniors
Google Maps and WhatsApp are well-liked by the older generation, but they object to AI and smart TVs. Because it is advanced, modern technology may appear complicated.
A survey of 1,000 adults over 65 revealed the most common tech tasks that people are—and are not—willing to perform.
Just 12% would feel comfortable using TikTok, whereas 64% feel comfortable navigating WhatsApp. When I visited TikTok, I looked around the app. And between WhatsApp and TikTok you might need more time to become proficient with TikTok’s platform because it appears to have a lot more features.
The main things preventing this age group from advancing are not being shown how to use something (40%) and finding new technology overwhelming (29%).
Additionally, almost a fifth said that having someone teach them how to use technology would boost their confidence. Some of my family members never liked technology because they thought it was too complicated. I can therefore be certain that this new technology will further alienate them.
BT Group’s Spokesperson Victoria Johnson On Bridging The Digital Gap For Seniors
Victoria Johnson, a representative for BT Group, which wants to educate thousands of senior citizens about technology, stated: “Technology can open so many doors.”
“At BT Group we’re working with UK charity AbilityNet to deliver more than 1,000 group and one-to-one training sessions to those who need it most in regions across the UK.”
“Technology is no longer a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. It’s a fundamental part of life and older people should not be left behind.”
Learning never happens too late. The elderly have every right to adjust to our technologically advanced world. Once they have mastered the material, you never know what concept they will think of next.
Given that only 13% of older adults rated their proficiency with digital technology as “very good,” the study lends credence to the claim that older adults have difficulty using it.
Attitudes Toward Digital Technology In Older Generations
Only 1 in 20 strongly agree that they make an effort to keep up with developments in digital technology. It makes sense that after years of trying different things, you eventually run out of energy and don’t want to try anything new. “I’ve pretty much tried everything I wanted to do” is the attitude you take on.
While 5% would simply give up, more than half (52%) would ask their children if they needed help with anything. However, 56% of people over 65 use tablets, and 91% of people regularly use mobile phones.
Technology Habits Of The Elderly
Older folks use the internet for little under three hours per day, or 20 hours a week on average. I wish I had so much self-control since I use technology much too much every day.
OnePoll research shows that nearly a tenth (8%) spend less than five hours a week online.
For the elder age, Facebook is the most popular social media network (65%), followed by Instagram (16%) and YouTube (34%). Since I use it every day, YouTube has long been my favorite social media platform. Good content is insatiable!
Furthermore, just 2% of those over 65 use Snapchat. I was unaware that Snapchat still existed because TikTok is so well-liked these days.
Over half (57%) said they would like to improve their knowledge and skills with digital technologies. That’s the spirit! It is admirable that they want to become more experienced.
Advocacy By Spokespersons For Senior Tech Education
Victoria Johnson added: “For younger people – especially those in the Gen Z demographic, or younger still – tech has been a part of their lives forever.
“Many will have grown up with the internet, smartphones, and streaming services from the day they were born.”
“These are huge digital advances that people born decades earlier will have to make big adjustments to, so it’s no wonder there are still gaps in their knowledge.”
“Our new Senior Skills program aims to help close this gap and get the older and digitally excluded generation feeling more tech-savvy.”
Sarah Brain, spokesperson at AbilityNet, said: “This research shows the need for support for digital skills for the older generation.”
“They should feel equipped and confident to manage their day-to-day lives and stay connected to the outside world.”
“We’re thrilled to be supported by BT Group to deliver this digital skills training and help bridge the divide.”
