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.
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