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Elderly Learning Tools

Learning tools in education programs for older adults have been developing in recent decades. Most tools center around information and communications technology (ICT) to bring seniors into the information age. Older adults, however, have different educational needs than the general population. But education and learning are critical to elderly mental development; they improve cognition, the ability to reason, remember and think, and they may deter such dreaded conditions as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

  1. Educational Needs

    • Older adults need appropriate learning tools. Technical terms should be explained in simple language, instructions and concepts need to be repeated, and visual aids should be included. Seniors may have visual or hearing impairments, be arthritic or have attention deficits. These conditions may create difficulty in learning new concepts. Tasks or instructions need to be simplified. Instructional booklets or hand-outs should be clearly laid out and contain simple terminology. Instructors of older adults need patience and understanding and should offer encouragement.

    General Tools

    • Effective tools for teaching seniors include CDs, peer support--or support from other learning or teaching seniors--and email groups. Other effective tools include jargon-free manuals, flip charts and, in computer classes, an ample supply of PCs, keyboards and mice. Demonstrations, discussions and question and answer (Q & A) sessions are helpful. An overriding rule for many instructors is "keep it simple and simpler" (KISS).

    Computer Learning

    • Many older-adult, educational tools are for learning about the computer. The development of these tools is worldwide. SeniorNet is a nonprofit organization that provides computer training to seniors. It offers more than 30 courses, many online, for such basics as the Internet and Windows, to the more complex, like PhotoShop. Supernet is another educational organization, but with a curriculum for older adults with no computer experience.

    Email

    • Tools for learning and using email enable older adults to communicate with their often multigenerational families. These tools include simple screens without logins, links, ads or news flashes. Large keyboards for arthritic fingers and voice-activated programs for elders with failing eyesight are other learning tools. An Internet search for "email for seniors" and "elderly email" will locate such devices.

    Other Educational Tools

    • Educational telephone conferencing is another learning tool for seniors, especially those who have little mobility and are largely confined to their homes. Regularly scheduled courses, facilitated by experts, are offered on such subjects as art, history and Judaic studies. Learning and playing games--such as scrabble, bridge and chess--increase cognition; the more difficult the game, the more it improves cognition.

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