Several
years ago, I delivered a workshop on Technology and Seniors to a group
of older adults in North Vancouver. In the audience were Grade 6 and 7 students
participating in an intergenerational project.

I began with
a simple statement: Seniors can
learn just as effectively as young people.

It may take us longer, but we can learn, and we do.

I noticed a
few surprised expressions from the students. That reaction is exactly why this
conversation still matters.

The
collective body of research continues to show that creativity, neuroplasticity,
and learning have lifelong potential. Studies have demonstrated that older
adults who engage in productive learning, especially learning new, challenging
skills, show improvements in memory and cognitive function compared to those
who engage only in passive or non-demanding activities.

Learning
does not stop at 65.The myth
that seniors do not use technology simply does not match reality.

As of recent
Canadian and North American data:

• Roughly
  80–85% of adults aged 65–74 use the internet
• Adoption
  continues to grow in the 75+ age group
• Smartphones
  and tablets are now the primary access points

Older adults
use:

• Desktop
  computers
• Laptops
• Smartphones
• Touchscreen
  tablets (such as iPads)

Touchscreen
tablets remain especially popular because they are intuitive, portable, and
relatively affordable. With a tap or swipe, users can:

• Browse
  the web
• Video
  chat with Family
• Send
  emails
• Manage
  photos
• Access
  banking
• Attend
  virtual events
• Take
  courses
• Play
  cognitive games

Technology
has become more user-friendly, and seniors have become more tech-confident.

Health
information continues to be one of the most commonly researched topics among
older adults online.

However, not
all online information is reliable.

I always
remind people:

• Be
  cautious about what you read on social media.
• Be
  critical of miracle cures or sensational headlines.
• Check
  credible sources.
• Always
  consult a healthcare professional before making health decisions,
  including beginning new physical activity programs.

Digital
literacy is not just about using devices — it is about evaluating information
wisely.

One of the
greatest opportunities technologies provides is access to lifelong learning.
Here are updated platforms that are active and widely used today:

Khan Academy

A nonprofit
organization offering free courses in math, science, computing, history,
economics, and more. While often associated with school-age learners, many
adults use Khan Academy to refresh skills or learn something new.

Cost: Free

Coursera

Partners with universities and organizations
worldwide to offer Online Courses. Many courses can be audited for free, with
optional paid certificates available.

Subjects
range from psychology to Artificial Intelligence to art history.

Cost: Free to
audit; fees for certificates.

Stanford University (Online Learning)

Stanford now
offers online learning through Stanford Online and Continuing Studies. Courses
are available in a wide range of subjects.

(Some older
references to iTunes U are no longer current, as Apple discontinued iTunes U in
2021.)

YouTube

YouTube has
evolved into one of the world’s largest informal learning platforms.

You can
find:

• University
  lectures
• Language
  lessons
• Technology
  tutorials
• “How-to”
  videos (everything from hanging a picture to using Zoom)

Many
universities and Experts maintain educational channels.

Cost: Free
(ad-supported)

Senior Planet

A nonprofit
organization offering free technology training for older adults, including live
online classes on digital skills, financial Security, creative arts, and
wellness.

Senior
Planet has become one of the leading organizations dedicated specifically to
older adult digital literacy.

Cost: Free

OpenLearn

Operated by
The Open University (UK), OpenLearn offers free access to a wide range of short
courses and learning materials at introductory and intermediate levels.

Cost: Free

(Note: The
former Open Education Consortium is now known as Open Education Global, which
continues to support open educational resources worldwide.)

Digital Learning: Mind and
Brain Games

Many seniors
enjoy brain-training apps. While research shows mixed results regarding
long-term cognitive improvement, these programs can be enjoyable and mentally
stimulating.

Elevate

Offers 40+
games focused on:

• Vocabulary
• Reading
• Writing
• Math
• Processing
  speed

Available on
iOS and Android. Free with optional premium subscription.

Mind Games

Provides a variety of browser-based brain exercises
targeting attention, flexibility, and arithmetic skills.

Free basic
access; optional paid features.

Dakim BrainFitness

Designed
particularly for older adults. Often used in senior living communities.
Subscription-based.

PThis reflects an important truth
about technology:
Platforms evolve. Some disappear. New ones emerge. Seniors adapt — just like
everyone else.

Seniors are:

• Taking
  online university courses
• Video
  chatting with grandchildren
• Managing
  investments online
• Streaming
  movies
• Writing
  blogs
• Using
  health portals
• Learning
  languages
• Joining
  virtual fitness classes

The issue is
not ability.
The issue is access, support, and opportunity.

Given time,
encouragement, and practical instruction, older adults learn effectively and
confidently.

Technology
is not a “young person’s world.
It is a human world.

And we are
fully capable of participating in it, at any age.

Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/

Royce Shook Blogger

I served as a teacher, a teacher on Call, a Department Head, a District Curriculum, Specialist, a Program Coordinator, and a Provincial Curriculum Coordinator over a forty year career. In addition, I was the Department Head for Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a professor both online and in person at the University of Phoenix (Canada) from 2000-2010.

I also worked with Special Needs students. I gave workshops on curriculum development and staff training before I fully retired