Embracing the Digital World for Tech-savvy Aging
Being “of a certain age” and being technologically savvy do not have to be mutually exclusive. Why is it, then, that some active seniors take to tech like a fish to water while others shy away from technology, and even pride themselves on that fact?
Jay Haines, retired from an information technology (IT) career, is obviously of the fish-to-water persuasion. “I was a computer geek,” he confesses.
Jay is the driving force behind Meadoweb, Meadowood’s internal web portal, complete with digital tools for seniors. It all began several years ago when he emailed a few suggestions to the committee in charge of the existing web portal for residents and staff. The next thing he knew, he was invited to join the committee. That led to the creation of Meadoweb, more than a year in the making. “I have a great team,” he says with pride.
Originally, the website was scheduled to launch on April 1, but Jay said he couldn’t give his presentation on April Fools’ Day — “No one would believe me!” So the official launch was April 2. Just two weeks after the rollout, more than 50% of residents had logged in to Meadoweb. After about three months, 70% of residents had logged in. “They were just flabbergasted,” he says.
Meadoweb has a wealth of information and functionality. If you’re one of the 30% who haven’t checked it out yet, here’s what you’re missing:
- Digital tools for seniors: how to use the site
- Special announcements
- Interactive resident (including veterans and memorials), staff and board directories
- A dining section with menus, reservation and comment forms, etc.
- Calendars featuring regularly scheduled events
- Forms such as maintenance, housekeeping and grounds
- Programs & entertainment, including trips/travel
- Fitness & wellness activities, including exercise videos
- Activities, such as special-interest clubs
- Health services, featuring health tips, support groups and more
- On- and off-campus services
- Notices from management
- Meadowood Residents Association information – newsletters, meeting minutes, committees, etc.
- Campus maps and building floor plans
- Online groups and message boards (lost & found, for sale/free, wanted)
To keep Meadoweb current, both staff and volunteers update the site. Jay held trainings over the course of two months to familiarize residents with the site. Self-paced trainings are also available on the website, and Jay holds periodic Q&A sessions for residents.
Tech 101
If you’re a self-proclaimed Luddite (no judgment here!), tech support is just a click away! Here are a few digital tools for seniors to help the older generation demystify today’s technology:
- Free digital skills courses from AARP
- The BoomerEm offers free step-by-step digital tutorials and one-on-one coaching
- BridgingApps, a nonprofit that bridges the gap between technology and people living with disabilities, offers free resources for seniors
- Meganga has free computer lessons for seniors and beginners
- Seniors Guide to Computers offers education on everything from accessibility to videos (free with optional donation)
And when you’re not exploring Meadoweb or fine-tuning your digital skills, you might want to connect virtually with family and friends who don’t live nearby. Here are a few tools, especially helpful for those with mobility issues, to get you started on your digital journey:
FaceTime: If you have a Mac computer, iPhone or iPad, you can use FaceTime (an Apple product) to make video calls. If you have an Android or Windows computer, you still can join a FaceTime call from your web browser.
Skype: With Skype, owned by Microsoft, you can make free international voice and video calls.
WhatsApp: This free, instant-messaging service is also popular for global communication. You can send private text, voice and video messages; make voice and video calls; and share images, documents, and other content.
Zoom: Zoom is a platform for making video calls. A free version is available.
And if all of the above sounds like Greek to you, ask a young person to translate!
Once you embrace (not fear) technology, you’ll be reading bedtime stories to your grandkids and connecting virtually with others no matter where they — or you — are.