But some seniors may also be reluctant to learn to use technology because of reduced mobility and reactivity. In fact, a study conducted by Pew Research Center showed that 23% of elderly people in the US have a "physical or health condition that makes reading difficult or challenging." Moreover, 29% reported they suffer from a "disability, handicap, or chronic disease that prevents them from fully participating in many common daily activities."
The same study revealed that the majority of participants expressed worries about learning how to use digital tools. Only 18% said they were comfortable with learning this themselves while 77% noted that they would rely on someone else to assist them.
"Patience is rewarded, and that reward can come in the form of incredible stories. As you teach your senior loved ones about the Internet, let them teach you about the way in which they grocery shopped, or washed clothes, or what they learned in school. It’s well worth the drain on your battery – and might be just the kind of recharge you need," Bowen concluded.
