Tips for Teaching Your Grandparents How to Text

Older adults aren’t always the first adopters of ever-changing technological advancements. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to be in the know. They might just need a little help learning the new technology. One way to do this is to modify their phones to make them easier to use.

Another difficulty older adults might face is learning how to text. While learning to text might be difficult for older adults, they certainly can master it with some time, effort, and help. Remember to be patient, though, and to not infantilize them. The following will offer six tips on how to make texting easier for your grandparents.

Read More: How to Make Your Grandparents’ Phones Easier for Them to Use

1. Work regularly with your grandparents to practice texting.

The key to helping your grandparents learn to text is to let them know that they won’t master texting in a day. Set regular appointments to visit your grandparents to practice texting. You could also give them texting assignments to complete in the meantime. Like anything, practice makes perfect.

2. Ask them why they want to text.

Figuring out your grandparents’ goal for texting can help motivate them. Recognizing that they might only want to text short messages like “I love you!” or “Good luck!” can help you structure your sessions according to their needs.

3. Download a keyboard that makes texting simpler.

The small keyboards on most phones can be difficult for older adults to master. Instead, download an app that makes texting simpler. For example, the Swype keyboard lets users swipe with one finger through the keyboard. Once users are close to spelling the word, the keyboard predicts the word users might want to use. However, keep in mind that this method isn’t for everyone.

4. Download a dictation app onto their phones.

If your grandparents have difficulty using the smaller touch screens, instead download a voice dictation app that turns speech into texts. The Dragon Speech recognition and Dragon Speech Microphone app translates users’ speech into text messages.

5. Explain emojis and slang.

Your grandparents might not understand the smiley faces, emoticons, and slang that have become commonplace to younger people. They might even be confused by “LOL” (many still use this to mean “lots of love”). Print out a helpful chart that describes some common emojis and slang, so your grandparents can be part of the texting loop more easily.

6. Encourage your grandparents.

Everyone needs encouragement, but no one needs it more than older adults trying to master a “young person’s skill.” Tell them they’re doing great!