4 Safety Tips for Seniors Using Technology

It can be challenging enough to keep ourselves safe while using technology, but when it comes to our older parents, it can be even more nerve wrecking. At Brickmont, we believe your parents should be on social media for advancing their social skills and community engagement. However, it's crucial that they make safe choices online. Here are 4 basic, safety tips for seniors using technology to ensure safety on the internet:

Passwords

Hopefully, your parents already know how to use passwords with devices such as their smartphone and computer. If they are not utilizing this safety feature, then help them set up an easy-to-remember password for both. It is also essential for them to have secure passwords on various accounts, such as their online bank account or email. With some accounts having password restrictions, such as special characters or numbers, it can be challenging to keep track of all the passwords. We suggest tracking all the variations of password they use in a non-electronic device, such as a notebook. It is also a good idea to have a copy of their passwords in case they misplace their notebook. If you do help them set up an application or excel sheet for tracking passwords, make sure they also have proper protection software.

Anti-Virus Programs

If your older loved one is storing personal information on their computer or using it to do high-security things such as paying bills and tracking expenses, it is essential for them to have an anti-virus program. We suggest using McAfee or Kaspersky for their (and your) cybersecurity. If your parent does not have an up-to-date anti-virus program, their computer could become susceptible to having their information stolen or contracting malware or a virus. When a device’s integrity is compromised, all the information the device is used becomes compromised as well. If you are having issues educating your older loved one, try signing them up for another form of education.

Computer Classes

The best way to educate mom or dad on proper technology safety tips for seniors is to sign them up for a computer class. This way they can learn in a group setting with like-minded individuals who may be braver to ask a similar question. There are various places you can go to sign up mom or dad for computer learning classes. You can visit the local library or contact your Brickmont Activity Director and see when the next tech class is held. There are other safety tips to be learned as well such as proper ergonomics. Try to remind mom and dad to sit up straight, with their shoulders back and their head level, not looking up or down. You may need to help them with their computer chair and desk adjustments, so they do not further damage any posture or back issues.

Avoiding Scams

If mom or dad sign up for a computer class, they can learn some further safety tips on what scams to look out for. They need to be careful of phishing scams or “catfishing” scams; these are informational gathering traps that target internet users of all ages. Phishing scams can be disguised as a form to download a game or a fake email asking to log into a popular account, e.g., Facebook. Other scams can come from email attachments, you try and open the said attachment, and it downloads malware to collect all your data. The best way to avoid these scams is not to open or download anything if you are not sure who it came from, what it is, or how it got into your inbox.

If your loved one follows these 4 safety tips for seniors using technology they will be better protected from scams and others malicious attempts to steal their personal information. At Brickmont, we want everyone to feel safe and be educated for being so. If you would like to learn more, please schedule a visit today!