Have a conversation with your parents and convince them to be on Facebook.
The coronavirus lockdown has grounded people of all ages around the world. The elderly too are confined to the home and can’t step out for their morning Yoga session or evening kirtan mandalis. While this relatively high-risk group has to stay at home, it is a fact that social distancing can also lead to anxiety and depression. This is where technology can help them connect better with their loved ones and find new, digital, pastimes.
Here are some tips on how to onboard seniors for some more digital life.
Be calm
First, try to take some time out of your busy schedule to help your aging parents learn how to use a smartphone or laptop. For them, these devices are new and they lack the know-how or confidence. Some elderly people are hesitant to ask for help because they are unfamiliar with technology, so be patient in dealing with them and do not lose your temper. If you think you lack the patience or willingness to help, get someone else to teach them how to download apps on a phone or use WhatsApp to video call.
Do not lose your patience when explaining the basics of tech to your parents. (Image credit: Pixabay.com)
Start with basics
Do not go into explaining technical terms that are hard to remember. Instead stick to the basics like how to connect their smartphone or laptop to Wi-Fi, help them remember a Wi-Fi password or write the password on a piece of paper, how to turn on or off a router, how to download a file and transfer it to a pen drive or how to install an application on their phone. They are least interested in knowing about the processor or RAM of a device.
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Introduce them to YouTube
Older people have difficulty in understanding written texts due to poor eyesight or unfamiliarity to a language. The best way to overcome their fears is to introduce them to YouTube. The platform offers a ton of videos, be it educational, devotional or just old classics. Guide them on how to discover new videos on the platform and share them on Facebook or WhatsApp.
YouTube offers a number of interesting content your parents can explore during the lockdown period. (Image credit: Pixabay.com)
Familiarise them with Google Search
Most of us use Google every day, but our parents are unfamiliar with the search engine. But once they know how to search a term or a topic, they might find the Google search useful for a lot of information.
In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, when everything is shut and there is no way to meet friends or relatives in-person, the best way to connect with your loved ones is through video calling. This might seem easy, but to make the elderly understand this could prove a challenge. Talk to them about the benefits of video calling, which apps to download, and show them how to make a video call. Help your parents practice what you’re teaching them and try to answer their questions. If they are unable to pick up, install the app on their device or send them instructions on how to use the app.
How to spot real news and fake news
Importance of privacy
Now is the best time to explain to your elderly parents the importance of privacy. Once they start using Facebook, WhatsApp, Gmail or e-payment apps like Paytm, online privacy becomes more important. They need to be aware of what they put out on Facebook and the potential dangers of sharing a bank password with anyone. When teaching seniors about using email, make sure you make them aware of phishing scams and email scams, which attempt to collect your personal information like bank account details and credit card information.
Identifying fake news
Disinformation and fake news are everywhere. Most misleading news and disinformation are spread via social media feeds that appear in your Facebook feed, WhatsApp groups, YouTube or Twitter timeline. The best advice you can give to your aging parents who are new to social media platforms is how to identify fake news and disinformation.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
Find all stories by Anuj Bhatia here.
You can find Anuj on Linkedin. ... Read More
5 min read
Have a conversation with your parents and convince them to be on Facebook.
Do not lose your patience when explaining the basics of tech to your parents. (Image credit: Pixabay.com)
YouTube offers a number of interesting content your parents can explore during the lockdown period. (Image credit: Pixabay.com)
How to spot real news and fake news
