Many seniors have long balked at using personal computers to connect with family and friends. Resistance to a computer’s expense, bulkiness and the learning curve have left many grandparents rarely hearing from or seeing their grandkids. Now, sleek and easy-to-use touchscreen devices such as Telikin streamline how older adults use technology to video chat and share photos, emails and more.
With its fully installed software, Telikin is a laptop-sized, lighter-weight family computer that connects directly with a high-speed Internet provider. With as little as three quick clicks, the touchscreen technology brings seniors face to face with loved ones.
Touchscreen Tech Trends
Companies continue to push the envelope in user-friendliness for the elderly, and a number of popular touch-display products are on the market from handy smartphones to full wall screens. For those elders with arthritic fingers and trouble tracking difficult tasks, the new generation of touchscreen devices are a wonderful stay-in-touch convenience.
In addition, the Federal Trade Commission lists a number of online safety tips for children that even seniors can apply in their own Internet use:
- Teach computer security. Everyone using a computer needs to know about protecting passwords, Social Security numbers, account numbers and other personal information.
- Avoid downloading the “free” stuff. No-cost games, ringtones and other applications can contain viruses and other hidden malware.
- Be cautious with peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. Many kids thrive on sharing music, games and software via their computers and phones. But this open practice can lead to sharing files with disguised spyware or pornography. Instead, install proper file-sharing software and ask every device user before downloading or opening any file to first scan the file through the security software.
For both seniors and their younger loved ones, the sky is becoming the limit on how to converse even when they are miles and miles apart. Click. Click. Click. “Hi, honey, how are you? You look like you’re sitting right next to me.”
What benefits do you think touchscreen technology brings to older adults?
An award-winning journalist who has documented stories in nearly 20 countries, Beth Lueders is an author, writer and speaker who frequently reports on diverse topics, including aging and health issues for both U.S. and international corporations.
Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.
About Right at Home of Central New Jersey
Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.
For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at http://www.rightathome.net/monmouth-middlesex/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.
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