Tech Tips for Seniors 

While technology can be incredibly helpful in our daily lives, its ever-changing nature can make it a bit daunting.
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Here are a few simple technology tips for seniors to become more tech-savvy when using the internet, smartphones, and email.
Choose Strong Passwords 
Accounts online require passwords. For every website, choose a unique password that other people cannot guess. Use special characters (! @ # $ % ^ & *) and consider using longer words to create passwords. Do not use the same password for multiple sites. 

Looking for help creating a password, or finding out if your password is strong? Check Norton Pass or Security.org for help. 
When in doubt, look it up! 
If you receive a phone call or email from someone you do not know, check it out. Scam callers can pose as legitimate companies and try and scare you into paying money. If you receive a call from an unknown number, type it in online and look at the results. If you see "SCAM" or fraud, you'll know not to answer in the future.
Feeling stuck on a topic and not sure what to do? Check out some of the classes on this website for help. If you do not see what you're looking for, try typing it into the search bar online. Now, if it's 2am and you're learning how to use a Kindle or looking up a recipe, you can always turn online for helpful tips and tricks. ​
Change your settings for easier reading
If you feel like the text size on the screen of your smartphone is too small, you can change your settings to increase the text size and adjust the screen brightness. 

If you are an Apple (iPhone, iPad) user, open Settings>Display & Brightness>Text Size. All you have to do is drag the slider to increase the text size to a setting that works best for you. You can also use the Voice Over feature and have content read out loud to you. This setting, as well as Zoom and Magnifier Tools, can be found under Settings>General>Accessibility.

​Android users have similar settings. To increase your phone’s font size, go to Settings>Display>Font Size. Adjust your font size to your liking by selecting small, normal, large, or huge. However, the sizing will vary, depending on the phone/tablet you have.
Do not reply to emails from people you do not know
Although it isn’t pleasant to think about, there are dangerous scammers out there who send promising emails to try to steal personal information. You can steer clear of these cyber criminals by choosing not to open or reply to any emails from people you don’t know. Remember: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Avoid oversharing 
Scammers can gather data by finding what you post online and using it to guess passwords. Do not answer quizzes or online posts that gather data like the street you grew up on, or your favorite color. These are often answers to security questions for different online accounts. 
Viruses/Malware Security 
Invest in a good antivirus; this is a great way to keep your information protected. The good news is that there are lots of well-respected free options and some technology comes with its own protection (like Chromebooks). Check out the buttons below to find out more about free options. 
*Note: There are a lot of options for software and apps. This is just a sample. Always read product reviews and make informed decisions prior to downloading. Avast was the 2020 top pick for free security software and AVG is the top pick for 2021. 

For a breakdown of the differences, as well as other recommendations, check out PC Magazine's top list of free security software. 
Take your time and ask questions!
Take your time as you explore this new topic, take short breaks when you feel exhausted. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Be patient and know that you cannot learn everything in a day. After learning a new skill, take time to practice it repeatedly so that you really understand it.

Reach out and ask questions. You're not alone in navigating the world of technology! 
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