5 Easy Tech Tips Seasoned Adults Should Know

By Elizabeth Ndungu

From “What’s Wi-Fi?” to “Watch Me Zoom!”

 

I recently had tea with Mama Grace, who at 83 has taken it upon herself to learn how to use WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok. Yes, that TikTok. Her words?

“I want to walk tall at this age and help others do the same. I just need to know which button to click first.”

That conversation inspired this post. If you’re just getting started on your digital journey, here are five simple tips to make things easier, less stressful, and (dare I say?) fun.

1. Start with What Feels Familiar

Remember the first time you used a microwave? You probably read the manual, pressed one or two buttons, and hoped nothing exploded. Learning tech is just like that. Start with something you’ve seen before, like opening a message or playing a music video.

Experts suggest that connecting new tech skills to everyday activities helps older adults learn faster and with less stress (NeighborsDC, 2022).

No need to dive into banking apps right away. Think of tech like a buffet, start with what you recognize before trying the fancy stuff.

2. A Little Bit a Day Keeps the Frustration Away

You wouldn’t expect to master the tango in one afternoon, right? The same goes for email and apps. Try spending 15 or 20 minutes each day exploring. Some days you’ll nail it. Other days you’ll ask your nephew, “Why does my screen look like a crossword puzzle?” Totally normal.

According to McAfee, steady, small learning sessions help reduce anxiety and build long-term tech confidence (McAfee, 2024).

Progress is progress, even when it’s slow.

3. Bring a Buddy (Ideally One with Wi-Fi)

Learning alone is fine, but learning with someone is magic. Whether it’s a grandchild, a neighbor, or a local tech trainer, having a partner turns the process into something fun. Ask questions. Laugh at the mistakes. Celebrate when you finally send that first GIF.

A study from the National Institutes of Health found that intergenerational tech learning not only improves skill-building, it boosts confidence and reduces fear of failure (NIH, 2023).

And let’s be honest – your buddy will love seeing you master emojis. A buddy is available at Ndungu Consulting.

4. Make Your Own Cheat Sheet

Don’t try to remember every tech step. Write it down. Seriously. I once met a gentleman who called his notebook “Laptop Spells.” Inside, he had charming notes like “Turn it on,” “Double-click Chrome,” and “Don’t panic if it freezes.”

Visual cues and step-by-step reminders help remove guesswork. According to Papa.com, personal cheat sheets can boost retention and independence (Papa.com, 2023).

Your brain has more important things to remember than Ctrl + P.

 

5. Learn to Spot the Sketchy Stuff

If a message says “Click here to win a new iPhone,” don’t. Just… don’t.

Learning basic online safety is key. Use strong passwords. Avoid clicking on strange links. And if a message starts with “Dear Beloved,” it’s probably best to delete it.

Online fraud targeting seniors is on the rise, so building security habits early is essential (AARP, 2023).

Think of cybersecurity as your digital seatbelt. Not optional.

Final Thought

You don’t need to become a tech wizard. You just need to be curious, willing to ask for help, and ready to explore. If Mama Grace can start filming wellness videos at 83, then yes, you absolutely can figure out how to send a WhatsApp voice note.

So go ahead. Power up that tablet, call your tech buddy (Ndungu Consulting) , and take your first confident click.