In 1950, getting in touch with a friend involved flipping through a phone book, finding the right name and number, dialing the digits on a rotary phone and waiting to hear whether or not your friend would pick up.

In many ways, technology has advanced and simplified considerably since that time. Phone numbers can be stored digitally, people can leave voicemail messages and video calling makes it possible to see a loved one’s face in addition to hearing their voice.

However, keeping up with the pace of technological advancement can feel like a lot, especially for older adults who came of age long before smartphones and social media were part of everyday life.

If you’re the child or caregiver of a senior, you can play an important role in helping them find the tools that work best for them and building confidence along the way.

The New Frontier of ‘Silver Tech’

Technology adoption among older adults has grown rapidly over the past decade. Many seniors and older adults own smartphones and even make up an increasingly large percentage of social media users.

According to the AARP, smartphone ownership among adults 50 and older has climbed from 55% in 2016 to 90% in 2025. Two in 5 older adults are already planning a tech purchase in 2026, and the average older adult now owns seven devices, nearly double the four they owned a decade ago.

Businesses have taken notice, releasing more products and services designed to support aging adults as part of the global 'active aging' industry, also referred to as 'Silver Tech.'

Seniors recognize that such services make it easier to stay independent longer, from banking online to shopping, browsing videos, finding information on government websites and connecting with their community via video calling platforms like FaceTime and Zoom.

Explore Devices and Features Designed for Seniors

Smartphones and tablets come with built-in settings that make them easier to use from the start. Apple's Assistive Access gives iPhones a simpler, cleaner look with larger icons and only the apps your loved one actually needs. Android devices offer similar options, including larger text, a simplified home screen and a feature that reads text aloud. Both can also connect to Bluetooth earpieces and hearing aids.

Before purchasing a device or giving it to your loved one, research what devices best cater to their needs and then enable the features and apps you know will be useful.

Determine Interest and Add Value

Family members often give a senior parent a cell phone or tablet as a gift with the good intention of desiring to stay in closer contact with them. But if they feel comfortable with what they already have, the gift won’t achieve the desired effect–in fact an unfamiliar device can feel more like homework.

Rather than surprising them, start a conversation to gauge their interest, explain what options exist and help your loved one decide what's most useful for them. For example, showing them how to video call a grandchild or pull up a favorite song can make the possibilities feel real and exciting to explore.

Practice the Power of Repetition

As with learning any new skill, technology gets easier with time and repetition. The more your loved one uses their device, the more comfortable it becomes. Practicing together and checking in regularly helps keep momentum going and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

One mutually beneficial idea might be calling or texting your loved one daily. Even calling to say a quick ‘Thinking of you!’ or sending a funny photo or video will encourage and energize them to answer their phone, listen to a voice message or read a text. That will solidify the skills and instill confidence to learn more.

Start with the Basics

When working with seniors, keep it simple and start at the very beginning. The tasks that help older adults the most are often the basics, which include:

• Turning on and charging the device
• Making and answering audio/video calls
• Receiving and sending texts
• Receiving, viewing, saving and taking photos

Even older adults who never thought they'd adopt new technologies have recognized how 'Silver Tech' can improve their quality of life by keeping them entertained, informed and connected to those they love.

If your loved one lives at a senior living community, know that many communities, including those managed by The Goodman Group, offer support to residents to get comfortable with technology at their own pace. Learning alongside others can take the pressure off and make the experience something to look forward to.

As you teach the senior in your life, every day will be different and interest may ebb and flow, that’s okay. But these skills open doors to connection, independence and a little more joy in everyday life.