Helping seniors build a safer relationship with technology

While younger generations grew up with the internet, mobile devices and modern technologies, many older family members can be challenged by today’s digital world. Numerous technologies serve to make tasks simpler, provide personalized services or hold capabilities that benefit seniors and older adults.

Yet, the online world is host to a variety of threats that may not be obvious to older users. Given the current levels of fraud and cybercrime, it’s crucial older generations not only understand the technology they use but also recognize scams they might face as a result.

Here are some things to keep in mind when helping your older family members get up to speed on today’s digital landscape.

Younger generations are frequently referred to as digital natives since they grew up with the technologies that are so common today. They intuitively understand how devices and apps work because they’ve seen similar things before. On the other hand, older individuals are often referred to as digital immigrants because they were raised before these technologies were commonplace, so they’ve had to adapt to a new way of life.

Whether it’s second nature or a struggle, increased reliance on technology includes nearly every age demographic. And while younger generations once used technologies at greater rates, there’s now a parity of adoption. Research from AARP’s TechAge Collaborative revealed most older adults use their devices daily, especially smartphones (98%), wearables (79%), laptop and desktop computers (about 60%) and tablets (57%). They’re clearly embracing today’s digital world.

Despite this digital evolution, there’s an assumption older adults aren’t the most tech-savvy individuals. This notion can lead to overlooking their needs when products are being developed. User interfaces designed for younger users, for example, may be more difficult for a senior to navigate, especially if they have vision or hearing impairments. In the AARP study, almost a quarter (24%) of 50+ consumers cited design or ease of use as the reason for hesitating when making a tech purchase.

Seniors may also be less likely to receive training and support while trying to learn new technologies. That can make some online resources and communities feel like they’re the exclusive domain of younger, more advanced users.

When helping an older adult select a product or service, it’s important to evaluate whether the needs, abilities and preferences of someone still learning the ropes are addressed. As such, two key features should be considered:

• Accessibility: Look for products that are easy to use and include clear navigational panes, simple interfaces and easy-to-read instructions. Research the customization features that could improve their experiences, such as editable font sizes, larger buttons, high-contrast colors and the option for screen readers. Such personalization could make a huge difference in their day-to-day use.
• Support: Products and services that offer a wide range of support, resources or FAQ hubs can provide seniors with a safe place to have their questions answered. Seek services that provide complimentary online tutorials and the option for one-on-one conversations with a representative should they need help.

The right tools and training can help digital immigrants more easily put these products to work for them. But those resources also must educate older users about the increased identity and cyber threats lurking online. 

Cybercriminals often target senior citizens with online threats and cybercrime for a variety of reasons. Seniors often are more trusting, unfamiliar with online threats and more likely to have significant savings or retirement funds cybercriminals are looking to seize. And there’s a lot of money at risk of being stolen by fraudsters. In fact, the FBI reported those aged 60 and older lost $4.8 billion last year.

For digital immigrants, technology was not always a part of their everyday lives. As a result, they may need additional training to protect themselves and their personally identifiable information (PII). Consider these topics when educating an older individual on cybersafe protocols:

• Street smarts for online safety: Spotting the scams that target older adults may be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Teach them to be suspicious of any unsolicited calls, emails or text messages asking for personal information. Remind them not to click on suspicious links or spam emails, and note it’s a best practice not to respond to a communication from someone they don’t know. On the flipside, if they’re expecting a call from a representative or member of support staff of an organization they know, older adults still can and should ask questions to verify the caller’s legitimacy before moving forward with the conversation if they feel unsure. Legitimate company representatives will patiently answer their questions, while scammers will try to pressure them to act quickly — before they have time to think about requests or demands for actions or information.
• Password safety: Encourage older users to secure their account information by upgrading their passwords to 16-character passphrases. The more secure the password, the safer the account it protects. Password managers, which provide a simpler way to store these complicated passphrases, are also a great tool for seniors to keep these accounts organized and more secure.
• Update software: It’s vital to regularly ensure the software and security systems on an older person’s devices are up to date and working properly. Updates to software often close any vulnerabilities. Virtual private networks (VPNs) are another tool seniors can use to keep their data and online accounts protected. VPNs encrypt data being sent to and from a device, making it practically useless to anyone who intercepts it.
• Identity theft protection service: Falling victim to identity theft can be both mentally and financially devastating. Encourage seniors to consider purchasing a comprehensive identity protection plan that includes credit monitoring, continuous dark web monitoring for exposed credentials, advanced fraud monitoring, smart alerts and resolution services.

When seniors are empowered to feel more comfortable with everyday technology, it can improve their connectivity with loved ones and elevate their quality of life. Helping them get the training and protection they need so they can protect their digital existences goes a long way to instilling that empowerment.