Some of you are tech-savvy and some of you are not.
The same goes for the older parents or grandparents in your life. If you know a senior who isn't up on the latest tech gadgets, it can be a challenge to get them up to speed. The first step is overcoming the fear factor.
"I can't keep up with these young people," said Teresa Anderson, a senior who was trying to learn new technology at a computer class for seniors.
"I had a fear.. thought if I pushed the wrong button I might break the computer," said her classmate Janie Truesdale.
That fear can leave many seniors feeling left out and left behind. Whitney Bennington teaches the computer class and says it can be tough for seniors, but the rewards for learning new technology are great.
"Because they really feel intimidate and just out of touch," she said.
The Rewards of Getting Online
The seniors in her class are making progress, in spite of their fears.
"It's emotional for me because I knew nothing," explained Anderson. "I feel more independent, more confident, more sure of myself."
How To Teach Seniors About New Technology
If you're teaching a loved one who isn't familiar with the tech world, these women have some advice.
"Be patient, keep smiling, tell them it's ok to mess up," Anderson said.
Also, resist the urge to do it for them, instead talk them through it and let them see how to do it for themselves.
The Ruth to the Rescue unit has come up with additional guidelines that might help you teach someone you love about new technology.
1) Find out why they want to use a computer or other device? Do they want to use Facebook? Manage and store documents? Knowing their goals, will help you focus your lessons.
2) Build your lessons around topics that interest them. If they love cooking, show them how being online can help them learn new recipes.
3) Let them show you what they already know about using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. They may know more than you think. Or, you can find out where they're making mistakes which can make life a lot easier.
4) Show them how to save their work, documents, or photos. Teach them about backing up the items with other data storage.
5) Show them where they can find help online, so if they have further questions they can problem solve on their own.
6) Teach them about the pitfalls of "phishing" and other scam dangers they may encounter on the web.
7) If you have a teenager in your family whose really adept at using technology, think about getting them together. It would be an excuse for some quality time spent together, and let's face it, sometimes teenagers know more than adults about the latest gadgets.
8) Above all, be patient and respectful.