Since technology is so important, you can help your parents learn to embrace it for communication needs, even if they have reached old age. Although your efforts might seem futile at first, with patience and the right approach, you can do a lot to ensure that your parents can harness the power of technology to assist them with their unique needs.
First of all, remember that that which comes so naturally to you may be completely bewildering to a parent who is not grown up with the benefits of the same technology that you have. Therefore, it is important to maintain a calm and supportive demeanor even while teaching the most basic of concepts such as using a web browser, composing an e-mail or learning how to bookmark a favorite website like www.direct.tv, to return to at a later time.
When you are teaching your parents about technology, make sure to tailor your lessons so that they will be informed about skills that are important to them. For example, if your mother only wants to learn how to operate her mobile phone, you both may become frustrated if you insist on teaching her how to operate her computer as well. Usually, once people become comfortable with learning skills that they consider to be essential, they will be more willing to tackle other skill sets.
Finally, be aware of the pacing of your lessons, and be sensitive to your parents ability to retain the knowledge that you’re teaching them. For example, after you have taught them a concept, you may find it worthwhile to suggest that they try to re-create the situation on their own as you look on and provide feedback. This is a good way to ensure that they have learned the lesson’s content and will increase their chances of being able to perform it on their own when you are not present.
