Using Technology to Connect Across Generations

It's no secret that technology has changed the way we interact with each other. Not only has it altered how we communicate, but it's also influenced how we learn, teach, and even play together. In fact, modern technology has changed the world at a rate that has kept many older people struggling to keep up. However, it doesn’t need to be a barrier to connection across generations.

Whether you’re in your golden years and looking for a way to connect more with your kids and grandkids or you’re young and want more ways to stay in touch with older loved ones, we’ve got tips for you.

Choose phone communication that works well for both parties.

Texting is what it’s all about these days. Most of us avoid making phone calls at all costs, but this isn’t always the case for many people aged 65 and up. For seniors, texting can feel tedious and impersonal. Plus, it usually requires some finger dexterity, which can diminish as we age.

Ultimately, the key to strong phone communication is to strike a balance that takes each person’s preferences into account. If you’re older and you struggle with tiny buttons, consider learning how to use voice-to-text to send texts more easily. Your grandkids will appreciate the effort.

If you’re younger, help out your grandparents or other elders by sharing advice on how to use the phone they have more effectively, or help them purchase a senior-friendly phone. You can also set aside some time each week to make an actual phone call, which is a great way to make someone feel loved and connected.

Enjoy video calls.

Video calls are a great way to keep in touch with family and friends who live far away. While you can use your smartphone for video calls, you will enjoy a larger and clearer image on a tablet (especially good for older eyes). Fortunately, video calling apps are easy to use, even for kids! They are particularly great for little kids who don’t love talking much on the phone. For enhanced convenience, a smart display can be used to make calls by giving a voice command and features a large screen.

Invest in headphones with a good mic for easier communication.

The modes of connection discussed so far depend on the ability to hear and speak clearly. If anyone in the conversation is hard of hearing, it is particularly crucial to invest in quality headphones. Not only will good headphones improve sound for the listener, but a headset with a mic can also isolate and transmit the voice of the speaker more clearly.

Play games or enjoy challenges together.

Have you seen those amazing videos on social media where grandparents and their grandchildren make up dances together, tackle TikTok challenges, and so much more? If you haven’t, you should look them up for entertainment or inspiration. If you’re older and struggling to understand youth culture that revolves around social media, consider learning more about different platforms. Not only will it keep your brain active by challenging you to gain new abilities, but it will also keep you up to date on things that matter to the young people in your life. Why not take on a viral challenge with your grandson or try out an entry-level video game with your granddaughter?

If you’re young, reach out to the older loved ones in your life. Ask them to join you doing something you love. You might find out it’s actually a whole lot more fun together!

Share pictures and updates through social media or shared folders.

In the past, grandparents had to wait for a letter or a phone call to get an update. Thanks to technological advances, now everyone can send pictures and updates directly to each other through social media and shared folders in photo apps. If you don't want to post personal photos or information on a public platform, you can set up a shared Google folder that can be accessed with permissions. That way the folder is kept private but remains easy to update.

While technology can sometimes feel like it’s driving us farther apart, there are plenty of benefits that outweigh the drawbacks. With the right devices, you can use technology to increase your frequency of communication and to enhance your overall interaction.