HOW YOU CAN LEARN TO BE TECH SAVVY OVER 50
If you’re over 50 there’s a good chance that you aren’t as tech savvy as you’d like to be. If you are, then first of all, good for you! And secondly, you are in the minority.
The thing is, we are all resistant to change. We can become overwhelmed and frustrated when we are trying to figure out something outside of what we are comfortable with. The best news is that growth often comes in this seemingly inconvenient package. Discomfort, anxiety. It’s biology’s way of keeping us safe and comfortable.
When experiencing these stressful emotions, it’s easy to throw in the towel. After all, you’ve gotten along for the last 50+ years without it, right? What is so great about it? Well, the answer to that is a lot.
In the first part of this post, I will go over why you should push through and overcome your fear. You’ll see what you could be missing out on. Then, once you’re convinced that you have more to learn, then I’ll show you easy ways to increase your tech savvy, yes, even if you are over 50.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE TECH SAVVY OVER 50
I like to stop and smell the roses. I like to look on the bright side of things. To me, the glass is half full. But when it comes to technology, I can be resistant. Perhaps it is because of my positive nature. Do I need another source of news in my face 24/7 telling me the world is going to end? Do I want to be one of those people walking around with their eyes glued to a screen, all the while missing the beautiful world around them?
The answer to those two questions is clearly no. However, there are wonderful things that you can miss out on if you are resistant to being technologically savvy.
Technology is created and perfected to make our lives easier. It can help us with complicated math problems. It can get a letter to a friend immediately, instead of days later. The point is, if you give it a chance, it will improve your life.
Once I decided to start a blog, I knew I had to push through my fear of the unknown and forge ahead. Was it scary? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Yes, yes, and yes. But you know what, even though I’m now on a first-name basis with my computer, laptop, and iPhone, there is always more to learn. Just do your best and take it step-by-step. Read here if you want to know more about my love for my computer and how she helps me communicate and stay connected!
Wonderful things you can do with technology:
- Virtual meetups with friends: If you’re still not comfortable meeting in public or being out too much, or if you’re unable to due to distance — you can still meet up! You can have a catch-up over coffee or even a virtual cocktail hour!
- Virtual clubs: Have you been missing a sense of community? I guarantee you there is a virtual club with meetups, no matter what your hobbies are.
A few examples:
- Play Bridge with friends
- Virtual game night
- Virtual Gardening Club
- Much, much more! Simply Google your hobby + virtual club and you will find something!
- Speak to someone while looking at their face! Talking on the phone is great, but it’s nice to see someone smile when they see you.
- Look at and share pictures
- Shop!
- Learn something new! Here are just a couple of examples of sites that offer thousands of inspiring courses:
While those are just a few examples, the reasons for upping your tech savvy over 50 are many. Next, I will show you just how to do that.
HOW TO UP YOUR TECH SAVVY OVER 50
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
First of all, no matter what route you decide to go to increase your tech savvy, you will need to practice. Let go of the fear that you will mess things up. Chances are, no matter what you do, if you happen to change a setting or “mess something up,” it can be fixed. Go forth and practice.
Most of us, particularly for technology, are hands-on learners. No matter if you take a course, read a booklet, or watch a video you must follow along. Imagine if you decided you wanted to learn to play piano and you never touched the keys. You wouldn’t get very far!
Instead of watching or reading what you should be doing, do it. Try it. Touch the button. Click the link. This is the only way. And like with anything else, the more you do it, the better you will become. The easier it will be. You will be more relaxed with increased success.
Above all, take it easy and be gentle with yourself. You don’t need to learn it all at once. Master one skill and build on that.
LEARN ONLINE
This may seem to be a bit ironic, but chances are very great, that if you are reading this article, you can perform basic functions on the internet. And if you can click on an email or website, you can access classes that will help you do more.
Goodwill offers free tutorials on everything from Microsoft Exel to building your own website! This website goes beyond technology skills. They teach other skills that you may just want to brush up on, such as math. Check out what they offer here.
One user said, “Every time I go on your site, I find more information I didn’t know you provided. Thank you for all you do!”
Another great free resource is TechBoomers.com. Tech Boomers has over 100 courses, which teach you anything from an Amazon course teaching you how to set up your account and buy something, to setting up your Facebook account.
LOCAL RESOURCES
If you’re looking to up your technological savvy, but prefer to learn in person, the first place you should go is your local library. It’s likely that they have resources in place. If they don’t offer courses or similar, they will certainly be able to point you in the right direction.
Other local places to try:
- Senior Center
- Local College or University
To sum it up, although technology can seem like an intimidating, foreign language, it’s worth learning. Even if you only learn one skill, you’ll be empowered and all the happier for it. Knowledge is power. Follow these tips, and I have all the faith in you, dear reader, that you will learn what you need to be tech savvy over 50.
What is one thing in technology that you’re grateful for? Please tell me in the comments!
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I’m grateful I can follow your blog.
Hugs to you 🤗
How very dear of you. I am overjoyed. Thank you. Warmly, Honey
Honey,
I have followed you for several years and I so enjoy your blogs. I am 83 years old and a retired elementary teacher. I feel your articles keep me updated in many areas including technology. I followed you during our journey through Elsewhere and glad I didn’t have to go alone. I was relieved another person felt the same way I did. “Misery loves company.” Thank you so much for all you do in keeping me informed, inspired, and content.
There are millions of citizens who feel as you do. You are not alone. These Woks try and use fear to keep us quiet. They are starting again because an election is coming up.We need a leader!!!!!!! Thank you for following me. Makes me happy. Warmly, Honey