Your parent may be a little tentative at embracing the age of technology. Using a computer may leave them feeling overwhelmed and agitated. Fortunately, society has recognized the need to help seniors incorporate the gifts that computers and other forms of technology can bring into their lives and has developed instructional tools just for this age group.

OATS

OATS stands for Older Adults Technology Services. It is a non-profit based in New York that offers free tech training for seniors. Learning with other people their age and focusing on the aspect of computers that can enhance their life make learning much more enjoyable. And, in the process, they are learning something new, creating new pathways in the brain and staving off cognitive decline.  Various organizations similar to this one exist throughout the United States. The local Area Agency on Aging is a good resource.

SeniorNet and TechBoomers.com offer online computer courses. Lifelong Learning Institutes offer noncredit college courses for seniors. Other common locations for tech classes specific to seniors include the senior community center, the local library, community college, and stores that sell computers.

How Seniors Use Computers

• Increasing social engagement through the use of emails and video chat apps such as Facetime and Skype.
• Blog—sharing thoughts with the world at large about activities or events that they are passionate about.
• Write a memoir, stories, and journal or create an online photo album.
• Social Media opens up a whole new world of social interaction. From posting on Facebook to creating boards on Pinterest.

According to a Pew survey in 2013, only 54 percent of seniors used the internet. That percentage is certainly advancing each year.  The goal, ultimately, is to get 100 percent of seniors online.

Senior Care Provider

Some seniors are timid about entering a class-room atmosphere after so much time away from one. A senior care provider can offer transportation to the class and accompany your parent for the first class or two in order for them to feel comfortable in the new situation. They can help your parent with video chats and connecting with their loved one through social media. They can assist your loved one with the daily activities of living such as bathing, dressing and preparing meals in addition to offering that all-important aspect of life that often diminishes with age: social engagement and companionship.

If you are considering hiring senior care in Lexington, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.

Resources:  https://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/08/online-habits-coming-slowly-to-older-adults/

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Central Star Home Health Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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