Technology & staying connected in later life

A study of retired U.S. adults found internet use was linked to about a one-third lower chance of being in a depressed state. The benefit was largest for people living alone, which suggests easing loneliness is part of why.

Grocery delivery, online banking, booking appointments and video visits with a provider can save trips, especially if you no longer drive or find getting around tiring.

In the Synapse Project, older adults who spent three months learning demanding new skills, such as digital photography or quilting, showed better memory than those who did less demanding activities.

Online you can find the songs of your youth, old TV shows, audiobooks, card games with friends and live services from your place of worship.

• Tablet: big screen, easy for video calls and reading
• Computer: good for typing, forms and larger text
• Smartphone: always with you, handy for calls, texts and photos
• Smart speaker: answers spoken questions, plays music and makes calls

Instead of “learning the computer”, choose one goal, like video-calling your grandson. Master that, then add the next thing. Small wins build confidence.

Write each step in your own words as you learn it, with little drawings of the buttons if that helps. Keep the notes by your device.

Research shows older adults can and do learn demanding new skills, including digital photography, and that doing so can benefit memory.

• Make text larger and bold
• Turn up brightness or use high-contrast mode
• Use the zoom or magnifier setting
• Choose a bigger device if small screens are a strain

• Turn on captions for videos and video calls
• Use headphones, or connect your hearing aids if they support it
• Choose video calls over phone calls so you can see faces and lips

Voice assistants and voice typing let you send messages, set reminders, make calls and ask questions by speaking. This can help if typing is hard because of stiff hands or eyesight.

• Put the few apps you use on the first screen
• Remove apps you never open
• Set favourite contacts so calling is one tap
• Write your passcode somewhere safe at home, not on the device

A regular call is easier to keep and gives you something to look forward to. Sunday afternoon with the grandchildren, or a midweek catch-up with an old friend.

• Prop the device up so your hands are free
• Sit facing a window or lamp so your face is lit
• Use a quiet room and turn off the TV
• Practise first with someone patient

• Read a bedtime story to a grandchild
• Cook the same recipe at the same time
• Show each other your gardens
• Play a card or word game
• Watch a film and chat about it

A family group chat lets everyone share photos and news. You don’t have to reply to everything. Even a “like” lets people know you’re there.

NIA suggests looking to your local community college or library. Many offer free or discounted courses for older adults, and some classes run online.

Many places of worship stream services and run online study or prayer groups. Cultural centres and museums often offer online talks and tours too.

Online groups exist for almost every interest: gardening, family history, birdwatching, knitting, model trains. Start by reading, then join in when you feel ready.

Online contact works best alongside, not instead of, time with people face to face. A local group you find online may meet in person too.

Warning signs (FTC)

• A pop-up that urges you to call a number
• An unexpected call, text or email from a “technician”
• A request for remote access to your computer
• Pressure to pay by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app

The FTC advises: don’t call the number in a pop-up, don’t give anyone remote access, and talk to someone you trust before acting. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If a message says you must act right now, stop. Close it, then check with the company using a number you already know, or ask a trusted person.

• Never share passwords or one-time codes with anyone who contacts you
• Be careful what you post publicly, such as your address or when you are away
• Use privacy settings on social media
• Check your bank statements regularly

If you think you have been scammed, change your passwords, contact your bank, and report it. The FTC has steps for what to do if you paid a scammer or gave access to your computer.

If you are 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) can help you report fraud.

NIA suggests not watching television or using a computer, phone or tablet in the bedroom, to help you sleep better.

Choose one or two times a day to catch up on the news, and turn off alerts you don’t need. Notice how you feel after scrolling, and step away if it leaves you tense.

Use your phone to arrange a walk with a friend, find a local class or check a bus time. Then put it away and enjoy the moment.

Some people prefer the phone, letters and visits. That is perfectly fine. If services you need are moving online, ask for paper or phone options, or ask a trusted person to help with just those tasks.

NIA suggests computer classes at your local library or community college, many of which offer free or discounted courses for older adults. Senior centers often run classes too.

Teaching you can be a lovely way for a younger relative to give back. You might teach them something in return, like a recipe, a card game or family history.

Some clinics have “digital navigators” who help patients set up video visits and apps. Ask your provider’s office what help they offer.

Lifeline is a federal program that gives a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service, or up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands. You may qualify based on income or taking part in programs like SNAP or Medicaid.

It is quicker to do it yourself, but people learn by doing. Talk them through each step and let them press the buttons.

• Use plain words instead of jargon
• Show one thing at a time
• Help them write their own step-by-step notes
• Celebrate small wins

Help turn on automatic updates and multifactor login, and agree a rule together: “If anything asks for money or codes, call me first.”

If they prefer phone calls and letters, meet them there. Pushing too hard can make technology feel like a test they are failing.