The best technologies for older people
Discover the wonders of the digital world that surround you in Sheffield and stay better connected from the comfort of your own home.
Facebook allows you to not only share your memories with friends on your profile, but it also has a private messaging service called ‘Messenger’. Messenger is excellent for those who don’t want to be publicly active on Facebook, whilst still allowing you to feel connected to your distant friends and relatives.
With 1.3 billion users in 2018, Messenger is the 2nd most used messenger app as it’s easy to use and accessible for all. The app allows you to keep in touch with your friends and family via text, group chats or voice/video calls – without having to post anything on your public profile! In fact, many people who are on Facebook simply have it so they can use Messenger, rather sharing their life online.
To use Facebook on your computer/laptop, simply go to click here or, to use the app on your phone, search ‘Facebook’ and ‘Messenger’ on the App Store (Apple products e.g. iPhones) or Google Play (Android e.g. Samsungs)
As of 2022, WhatsApp is the most worldwide popular messaging app with 2 billion users accessing the app on a monthly basis. Similar to Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp offers real-time text transmission via internet. However, with WhatsApp, you do not need an online ‘profile’ as you would with Facebook Messenger.
Unlike SMS texting (texting directly off your phone, not with an app), WhatsApp proves to be much cheaper option as it is completely free-of-charge to use, whereas SMS texting can cost extra when texting abroad. In addition to being a messaging service, WhatsApp allows you to send pictures/videos to your friends and family as well as voice calling, free-of-charge, too!
Download WhatsApp on your laptop/phone/tablet here, available via the App Store or Google Play.
Skype
Skype is a video-calling application that allows you to talk to your friends/family from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere with internet connection). In January 2019, Skype reportedly had 300 million active users across the globe. Following the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of users then increased by 70% as people began to feel the effects of isolation and loneliness.
Skype is free to use and can be accessed via the Skype website or as an app on your laptop/phone/tablet.
In an ever-changing technological environment, staying connected to those you love is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for our elder generation.
At Home Instead, we have been able to witness first-hand the difference technology can make to people’s lives.
One client story in particular is the story of ‘Goliath’, who is passionate about how Virtual Reality (VR) gaming has allowed him to cope with his mental health.
This incredible story is one that sparked this blog; making the digital switch can be daunting for those who have never known anything different, which is why we’ve come up with the top 3 platforms we encourage to our clients at Home Instead. We hope you found it useful!