Sometimes, it can feel like you need to be a technology genius to keep up with the younger people in your family. Engaging with new technology to connect with people can be intimidating, but it will almost certainly enrich your life. If you’re not sure where to start, scroll down to learn how to use technology to connect with your grandkids.
How to Use Technology to Connect with Your Grandkids
Communication has changed quite a bit since today’s seniors were children. With the advent of technology like smartphones and gaming systems, today’s kids are more online than ever. If you’re trying to understand how to use technology to connect with your grandkids, we have some tips that can help.
Give Yourself a Technology Crash Course
Are you new to the world of technology? There are plenty of resources out there that can help seniors learn about using technology to explore the world and stay connected with loved ones. You can also talk to your grandkids about how they use technology and what they like to do with it. Be sure their parents are in the loop as well!
Try an Online Conversation
The idea of bonding without a face-to-face conversation might feel strange. However, most young people use texting, instant messages, and other forms of text-based online chat for daily conversations. A recent study found that up to 80 percent of Gen Z and Millennial respondents prefer texting to phone calls and other forms of verbal communication. You can connect directly to your grandkids and speak their language by embracing tools like email, texting, and messaging through various apps.
Schedule a Video Call
If text-based communication isn’t your favorite way to connect, don’t worry. Computers and smartphones have all kinds of ways to reach out to your grandkids, including many programs that allow for video calling. With a video call on a service like Skype, you can see each other face-to-face as you talk. It’s a great way to feel like you’re sitting in the same room as your loved ones, and you’ll never miss a smile.
Close the Distance with Online Games
Communicating with your grandkids via their technology can have a lot of advantages. For example, no matter how far away your grandkids live, you can use online gaming to spend time together and have fun. You can find free online versions of your favorite classic games to play together or try a popular new video game like Words with Friends. If you know your grandkids are enjoying a particular game, why not give it a shot? Or, invite them to join you in a favorite game of your own!
Embrace Digital Gift Giving
If you’re still mailing checks or physical gifts to your grandkids, embracing technology can make your life much easier. Sent items take time to reach their recipient and are vulnerable to theft and breakage, but gifts like electronic gift cards are secure and easy to share with loved ones. Your grandkids will appreciate receiving gifts they can use right away on services they love, and you’ll save money on postage, too.
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We hope this gives you some ideas for how to connect with your grandkids using technology. How can you reach out to a loved one today?
Are you looking for an assisted living community in Tennessee? Check out Hearthside Senior Living in Collierville and Bartlett. Our warm and inviting communities make it easy for seniors to embrace an active lifestyle. We would be happy to schedule a tour to explore the community, speak with the Community Director, meet some residents, and ask any questions you might have. To learn more about our amenities and services, please call 901-266-3329 (Bartlett) or 901-854-6590 (Collierville). We look forward to meeting you!