How to Teach an Elderly Parent to Use a Cell Phone?

Our elders are usually ‘Digitally Unprepared’ as they grew up without modern technological gadgets. While it doesn’t make them less special, the use of smart devices has become a matter of need and not ‘want.’ 

Educating your loved one about the internet and gadgets will not only allow them to learn something new but it will also protect them from problems they might be susceptible to. 

Considering this, in this article, we have shared some helpful tips you can teach an elderly parent to use a smartphone. 

Understand their Psychology

Before getting into the task of teaching your parents how to use a cell phone, try to understand their psychology. There might be different reasons why they don’t like using smartphones or want to learn how the device works. Talk to them and get to know their mindset so that you can convince them to use a smartphone accordingly. 

If your parents have absolutely no interest, try to motivate them by explaining the benefits of smart devices, including safety. 

Set Up a Suitable Device

There are a myriad of options when it comes to smartphones. You must choose a suitable device for your elder parent based on their needs and curiosity to learn. There are special cell phones designed for seniors, which are easy to handle. 

Ask your parents whether they want a bigger screen or a smaller one or one with advanced features. Moreover, before you hand over the phone to them, be sure to get rid of all the unwanted systems and processes and set it up beforehand for easier use. 

Teach them the Basics of the Internet

The next and most crucial step is to teach them the basics of using a cell phone, including the internet. If you’ve given them a mac, they probably have loads of doubts, such as how to access hidden files or troubleshoot the device. You can either make them understand manually or encourage them to read online articles, such as https://setapp.com/how-to/show-hidden-files-on-mac. Also, familiarize them with different buttons and icons, such as the WiFi icon, back button, camera, settings, etc. For better understanding, sit with them and make them practice the basic functions of a smartphone. 

Be Patient and Mentally Prepared

Teaching an elderly parent can be an irritating experience at times. Because not every parent has the same learning capacity and might ask dozens of basic questions, which can leave you scratching your head. 

Hence, the key is to stay mentally prepared and patient throughout the process. Don’t burden them with too much information. Try to spend more time with them and help them practice using a smartphone for everyday use. Moreover, ask your other family members to help your parents learn more about smartphones. 

Final Thoughts

While parents might not realize the importance of getting in line with technology, youngsters know how helpful it can be in everyday life. If you’ve decided to educate your elder parent about using a smart device, make sure you stay by their side the whole time.