It depends on the elder. I sat with my mom, at her laptop I bought her a couple of years ago, and showed her how to: * Get her email. * How to click on a link in a Word document I created with dozens of links in it to take her to youtube videos of documentaries she likes to see. (so she wouldn't have to search for them in Google....I didn't see THAT happening....) * How to get to the Pysol app (which I installed on her laptop), which has hundreds of solitaire games.
She told me she saw value in her doing all of the above, and expressed interest in watching the documentaries and playing the games.
Next, I got a notebook and took one page for each of the above to write instructions on how to do them. Only 3 to 5 sentences were on each page.
I then sat with her, walked through the steps, then had her do it. To be honest, I think she's capable, but for the past 15 years or more, my mom has acted "scared" of the computer, so it was a fight the whole way. I told her time and time again not to worry about pressing the wrong key...and to just read her directions first.
I then tried walking her through it remotely, as I live about 3 hours away.
I only lasted for about two days of doing that before I mentally said the equivalent of "forget it" (imagine much more colorful words).
Sometimes you can lead a horse to water, but can't make them drink.
Some seniors WANT to learn how to use their computer...not my mom...she pretty much told me she doesn't want to have anything to do with it. Maybe those wanting to learn are the majority, but not my mom who is 86 and who I'm pretty sure does not have dementia.
My mom loved her Grandpad! Works easily even for people with sensory and motor limitations. She loved video chatting and listening to music. There are games for those who want that and an email function. It is all done with large "buttons" to touch for each specific function, so no multiple steps to remember. This replaced her laptop, iPad and cell phone so it was economical too. Customer service was great when it stopped working - fast, inexpensive replacement.
My 93yo dad still uses his computer daily. There have been times I have had to do the over-the-phone tech help, which is very stressful for me. (My sister had to do it one day and she said I must be angel to put up with that.)
My dad and your mom are the last of a very trusting generation. The can't imagine someone would want to do something harmful to them. They grew up with unlocked houses and car keys left in the ignition. They don't realize that not everyone out there has their best interests at heart.
After my dad got scammed, I set up all his accounts on my computer so that I can keep an eye on everything. I check his email daily and delete the scams and phishing emails, review his FB messages (that's how he was scammed), watch his Nextdoor account, keep tabs on his bank accounts. So, if you do get a device for your mom, keep your eye on everything by having all her passwords. Also I installed Malwarebytes on his computer (paid version) just in case he opens one of those scam emails.
As for a device, I'm surprised no one suggested a touchscreen Chromebook. I love my Chromebook for its simplicty. And it is more secure than a desktop. I recently got a new one and my husband (moderate cognitive impairment) is using my old one. It took time for me to get everything set up for him but now he is able to use it without too much help.
I agree with Christine that if an elder cannot find a simple computer they can operate, it isn't worth thinking about. For me, I do very well at 81 as long as there is someone computer savvy in the family to help me when things go South--and they ALWAYS go South. I can plod along until then, so if your senior can do that and you can spend some quality time with him/her on the computer every week, it is well worth keeping them in the 21st century or getting them to make periodic forays into this brave new world. Computers have taught my partner and I some colorful new swear words. And so far we keep plodding along. But I foresee the time coming when I won't have the wherewithall to negotiate the curves. Your loved one has my sympathy.
If a senior does not have dementia and is "up" for understanding more about how to use computers, tablets, etc. some senior centers offer classes in these areas. (Some community colleges may do the same). I know of a senior center near where I live that even has a kind of Tech expert who can be called to answer questions by those with memberships. Good luck.
Seniors are vulnerable citizens and the Internet is a hotbed of blessings and evil attacks; how about these options for games like Luminosity? (copy and paste):
A basic, inexpensive tablet with no internet connection, just for games. That's what my Mom has used. When that Android died, I transitioned her to my onl iPad. She is 94 and has arthritis in her hands but can mostly manage the swiping and understand only where her game apps are. At first she couldn't stop touching the screen inadvertently and getting "lost".
Do you want to be their technical support every day?
I've seen on this forum others recommend GrandPad, but the subscription is expensive because I think it includes tech support...
Trust me, your teenager may think they are hot stuff with a computer, but they don't know how it works either. They can do a few things well, but they learned by rote, not by understanding the process. Parents of "helpful" young adults (who mess things up) are my best/repeat customers.
I teach computer literacy to adults, from middle age up through seniors in their 90s. Seniors are absolutely able to learn how to use computers. It all depends on motivation. If there is something they want to do, they can learn how. They just need a reason.
At first, I give an overview of things I like to do, to give them ideas. When I teach, I emphasize that I am showing them what is possible and they don't have to memorize the details. They want to be independent and not a burden, so they learn how to use Google to find their own answers before asking for help.
*** During Covid lockdown, I was able to talk several octogenarians through downloading and installing Skype, We did this Over The Telephone! The trick is that they were willing to Listen. Many younger people can't/won't do that. The biggest obstacle is fear of failure and possibly breaking things. I tell them some of the stupid things I've done, like spill soda on the keyboard, and call tech support because I forgot to make sure the power cord was in tight enough. LOL. That was a real ID-10-T Error (Idiot).
I have them mash the keyboard and play with the mouse. I have an old computer that I open up and let them touch the insides. (Unplug it first) I close it up and show that it still works.
I also teach some computer jargon and jokes to amaze their families. PICNIC is a good one (problem-in-chair, not-in-computer) because you can use it when your kids are complaining about their own computers.
I had one elderly student who was literally shaking during the first class. After the second class, she gave me a big smile and a hug.
*** Blt2024 suggested a children's tablet. That's a good idea too. My local senior center has a tablet class with a simplified tablet that a lot of people like.
I wonder if a child’s tablet might work? It’s more resistant to abuse (drops, spills ;-) ) than the usual adult version. Maybe try games like coloring and a browser or movies, photos of family…
Also, if you are computer savvy, there are “launcher” apps to change the “skin” of the device so that it has a simpler screen interface, larger fonts etc. (I think they’re called launcher apps because it starts as soon as you turn the phone on.) This is similar to what the senior cell phones have - a basic Android device (for example) with a layer over top to change the confusing, small icons of Text, Call, Photos/camera to nice, colorful, big, friendly buttons with obvious labels.
We set my mom up with a senior phone and she’s all over the place - absolutely hates computers never uses e-mail - makes her younger sister check it - I was impressed that SHE started interacting with the phone as soon as it came in the box. It was not intimidating for some reason.
I hope that sparks some ideas!
(i didn’t check your profile, so if all is lost like these replies seem to indicate, then I get it. Otherwise maybe try it :) Kids stuff is inexpensive.)
What are you trying to accomplish with it? Even little preschoolers seem to find tablet icons fairly easy to navigate if it's just for games or videos.
I agree. Unless the elder was very proficient with computers before, its going to be very hard. Even if proficient before, it gets difficult with time.
My Mom, who died a few years back, was very proficient on laptop and cell phone, But as her dementia and medical issues set in, it became tough for her to keep up
Now, my dad, age 87, was never great with laptop and email. He wants me to now bring his laptop into assited living, after being 4 months without it. I'm avoiding doing that. He will likely not be able to figure it out, then I become 24/7 "tech support " guy.....
* Get her email.
* How to click on a link in a Word document I created with dozens of links in it to take her to youtube videos of documentaries she likes to see. (so she wouldn't have to search for them in Google....I didn't see THAT happening....)
* How to get to the Pysol app (which I installed on her laptop), which has hundreds of solitaire games.
She told me she saw value in her doing all of the above, and expressed interest in watching the documentaries and playing the games.
Next, I got a notebook and took one page for each of the above to write instructions on how to do them. Only 3 to 5 sentences were on each page.
I then sat with her, walked through the steps, then had her do it. To be honest, I think she's capable, but for the past 15 years or more, my mom has acted "scared" of the computer, so it was a fight the whole way. I told her time and time again not to worry about pressing the wrong key...and to just read her directions first.
I then tried walking her through it remotely, as I live about 3 hours away.
I only lasted for about two days of doing that before I mentally said the equivalent of "forget it" (imagine much more colorful words).
Sometimes you can lead a horse to water, but can't make them drink.
Some seniors WANT to learn how to use their computer...not my mom...she pretty much told me she doesn't want to have anything to do with it. Maybe those wanting to learn are the majority, but not my mom who is 86 and who I'm pretty sure does not have dementia.
My dad and your mom are the last of a very trusting generation. The can't imagine someone would want to do something harmful to them. They grew up with unlocked houses and car keys left in the ignition. They don't realize that not everyone out there has their best interests at heart.
After my dad got scammed, I set up all his accounts on my computer so that I can keep an eye on everything. I check his email daily and delete the scams and phishing emails, review his FB messages (that's how he was scammed), watch his Nextdoor account, keep tabs on his bank accounts. So, if you do get a device for your mom, keep your eye on everything by having all her passwords. Also I installed Malwarebytes on his computer (paid version) just in case he opens one of those scam emails.
As for a device, I'm surprised no one suggested a touchscreen Chromebook. I love my Chromebook for its simplicty. And it is more secure than a desktop. I recently got a new one and my husband (moderate cognitive impairment) is using my old one. It took time for me to get everything set up for him but now he is able to use it without too much help.
Computers have taught my partner and I some colorful new swear words. And so far we keep plodding along. But I foresee the time coming when I won't have the wherewithall to negotiate the curves. Your loved one has my sympathy.
(copy and paste):
https://www.amazon.com/GrandPad-Seniors-Accessibility-Enabled-Wireless/dp/B09S6THZJ1/ref=asc_df_B09S6THZJ1/
Do you want to be their technical support every day?
I've seen on this forum others recommend GrandPad, but the subscription is expensive because I think it includes tech support...
I teach computer literacy to adults, from middle age up through seniors in their 90s. Seniors are absolutely able to learn how to use computers. It all depends on motivation. If there is something they want to do, they can learn how. They just need a reason.
At first, I give an overview of things I like to do, to give them ideas. When I teach, I emphasize that I am showing them what is possible and they don't have to memorize the details. They want to be independent and not a burden, so they learn how to use Google to find their own answers before asking for help.
*** During Covid lockdown, I was able to talk several octogenarians through downloading and installing Skype, We did this Over The Telephone! The trick is that they were willing to Listen. Many younger people can't/won't do that.
The biggest obstacle is fear of failure and possibly breaking things. I tell them some of the stupid things I've done, like spill soda on the keyboard, and call tech support because I forgot to make sure the power cord was in tight enough. LOL. That was a real ID-10-T Error (Idiot).
I have them mash the keyboard and play with the mouse. I have an old computer that I open up and let them touch the insides. (Unplug it first) I close it up and show that it still works.
I also teach some computer jargon and jokes to amaze their families. PICNIC is a good one (problem-in-chair, not-in-computer) because you can use it when your kids are complaining about their own computers.
I had one elderly student who was literally shaking during the first class. After the second class, she gave me a big smile and a hug.
*** Blt2024 suggested a children's tablet. That's a good idea too. My local senior center has a tablet class with a simplified tablet that a lot of people like.
Also, if you are computer savvy, there are “launcher” apps to change the “skin” of the device so that it has a simpler screen interface, larger fonts etc. (I think they’re called launcher apps because it starts as soon as you turn the phone on.) This is similar to what the senior cell phones have - a basic Android device (for example) with a layer over top to change the confusing, small icons of Text, Call, Photos/camera to nice, colorful, big, friendly buttons with obvious labels.
We set my mom up with a senior phone and she’s all over the place - absolutely hates computers never uses e-mail - makes her younger sister check it - I was impressed that SHE started interacting with the phone as soon as it came in the box. It was not intimidating for some reason.
I hope that sparks some ideas!
(i didn’t check your profile, so if all is lost like these replies seem to indicate, then I get it. Otherwise maybe try it :) Kids stuff is inexpensive.)
My Mom, who died a few years back, was very proficient on laptop and cell phone, But as her dementia and medical issues set in, it became tough for her to keep up
Now, my dad, age 87, was never great with laptop and email. He wants me to now bring his laptop into assited living, after being 4 months without it. I'm avoiding doing that. He will likely not be able to figure it out, then I become 24/7 "tech support " guy.....