According to the Pew Research Center more than half of adults 65 and older are internet users, 59% say they go online, 47% have internet service at home and 77% use a cell phone.
These findings are not surprising. The world today relies so much on technology that all of us are pressed to keep up, not just seniors.
There are many free resources available that will help seniors learn how to use the devices they have.
Family & Friends: Family and friends are often happy to share their knowledge. Find someone who is willing to help, you could offer a trade, maybe take them out for lunch or dinner or invite them over for a meal in exchange for training.
Local Library: Libraries are great community resources. Most libraries offer computer and other technical training and classes. You can also borrow books for computer beginners at the library, many specifically written with seniors in mind. Call your local library and ask about the types of training they offer.
Community Colleges, Recreation Centers, Senior Centers: Look for resources in your local community. Senior Centers are a great place to start. Not only for technology training but connecting socially. My local Senior Center offers training, bus trips, games, dances, dinners, and other fun activities. Many community colleges and universities offer resources for older adults. In fact, some even offer free tuition for seniors. Classes for Adults
Community Recreation Centers are another place to look not only for technology education but for a host of other resources as well, things like fitness classes, cooking and gardening classes, art classes, quilting and sewing groups and more. Some even pair older adults with students for different types of learning.
Goodwill Community Foundation: This is a great site with plenty of educational tools. Learn Microsoft Office, email, image editing, navigating social media, cell phone usage, internet, Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, typing skills, security and more. They don’t just offer free computer training they also offer math, English and reading training. You can train to get your GED, receive job placement help and more. It is a site full of useful tools. See the complete list of topics they offer Free Tutorials visit their homepage. Goodwill Community Foundation
Tech Boomers: Tech Boomers offers over 100 free courses. They teach older adults and others who may be new to technology basic computer skills in an easy-to-understand format. They offer free video and print tutorials. Some of their subjects are iPhone and Android, social media, internet privacy and safety, how to use Wi-Fi, how to use Airbnb, YouTube, email, video conferencing and more. Tech Boomers
Senior’s Guide to Computers: This site offers a huge variety of topics including computer basics, email, Windows, using the internet, computer hardware, how to back up your data and more. They have a large glossary of computer terms and have recently added tutorials on how to use Zoom. Seniors Guide to Computers
Home & Learn: Not just for seniors but for anyone wanting to learn new computer skills. In an easy-to-understand format Home & Learn offers tutorials on Microsoft Office, Microsoft Windows and even some web design and programming. Home & Learn
YouTube: You can find free video training for almost anything on YouTube. Sign up for a free account or if you have a Google account you are already signed up. Go to YouTube and log in. Then use the search bar to search for the kind of training you are interested in. For example, if you want to learn how to use Microsoft Word type “Microsoft Word tutorials” in the search bar. You will be presented with a list of videos. If you like one of the videos and would like to see other content from the same person you can click the subscribe button to subscribe to that channel. You can also build playlists so that your videos are organized and easy to find.
Google for Learning Applied Digital Skills: All you need is a free Google account to take advantage of Google’s online learning tools. The website offers a lot of free video-based lessons. The site is not specifically geared toward seniors, it is for everyone wanting to learn new skills. Much of the content is computer how to videos. You can work at your own pace and the videos are designed so that even a beginner will understand. Log in with your Google username and password to access all of the free training. Google for Learning Applied Digital Skills
Lifewire: Lifewire is a technology-based website and they offer lots of free how-to’s. The tutorials are easy to understand and geared toward the beginner. You can sign up for their newsletter and receive computer tips and other information sent to your email. Visit their website and click on “How-to’s” on the toolbar to see a list of available content. Lifewire
Open Learn: Open Learn offers thousands of free educational topics. The site is not computer specific but there are plenty of computer related resources on the website. The learning is self-paced. You can register for a free account although it is not required. You can take the courses without registering but if you do register a record will be kept of the courses you have taken. Use the toolbar to browse through the available subjects or use the search bar to look for something specific. Open Learn
Apple Courses: Do you own an iPhone, iPad, Mac or other Apple device? If so, you can visit a local Apple store for free training on a variety of subjects. It is a hands-on learning experience. Visit their site and enter your location to see a list of upcoming courses in your area. If you see one you like sign up. Apple Courses
AARP: AARP is an excellent resource for everything relating to seniors. AARP TEK Academy holds webinars and workshops free of charge. These are located throughout the United States and offer a wide range of topics from computers, cell phones, tablets, online safety, social media and more. For more information call Toll-Free Nationwide: 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277 ) or visit their website AARP TEK Academy
AAPR has also partnered with OATS/Senior Planet to offer free training for seniors. Read more here on how to sign up and participate. OATS/Senior Planet
Eldercare Locator: Check out Eldercare Locator run through the U.S. Administration on Aging. On their homepage enter your zip code to find resources in your area or call them at 1-800-677-1116. They offer help and advice on a number of different topics, not just technology related but other services as well. Eldercare Locator
These are just some of the resources available for older adults. Always check locally because each community offers different things. In just talking with others, you can often find resources you did not know were available.
The Tech Minimalist 