Why older adults don't need to be afraid of technology

Figuring out how to use your iPhone. Getting used to voice-activated lights. Remembering to charge your wireless earbuds before your morning walk. 

These everyday tasks may seem small, but they’re part of how technology can support your independence as you age. That said, we understand that integrating new tech into your daily routine can sometimes feel like an uphill battle — especially if you’re feeling unsure or frustrated with it all. 

If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this feel so hard?” or even wondered, “Why am I hesitant about using new technology?” — you’re not alone.  

It’s completely normal to feel confused or overwhelmed. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach but understanding what might be behind your hesitation is the first step toward finding solutions that work for you. Let’s take a closer look at some common reasons you might feel wary about technology, and how to overcome them. 

If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding your smartphone, feeling unsure about using a smart thermostat, or hesitant about automatic door locks, you’re not alone — this kind of hesitation is more common than you might think.  

It can be frustrating when a device that seems helpful or even essential just doesn’t feel right. But often, there’s more going on beneath the surface than simply “not getting it.” 

In fact, there are a few common reasons why you or someone you care about might feel uneasy about using new technology. Understanding these reasons can make a big difference in how you approach it—and help you feel more confident about embracing these tools for a safer, more independent life.  

#1 Fear  

Fear can be powerful. It can keep us from trying new things, learning more about complex topics, or embracing change. 

Sometimes using technology can feel like taking a leap of faith. On a deeper level, you may fear:¹ 

• The complexity of tech – Even lifelong digital natives know that tech can be finicky. From WiFi outages to dropped Bluetooth connections, tech always seems to require some level of troubleshooting. You may be intimidated by the apparent complexity of using multiple devices.  

• Privacy threats – People across the age spectrum value their privacy. If you’re unfamiliar with how to manage your information digitally, you may feel like staying “analog” is the best course of action.  

• Security breaches – Robocall scams, phishing schemes, and other cyber threats get a lot of media coverage — and for good reasons. As an older adult, you can be a prime target for scammers.² For some, the security risks of using tech may not seem to outweigh the benefits.  

These are all valid fears that may hold you back from tech adoption. 

#2 Learning curve  

With how fast technology changes, it’s perfectly understandable if you find touchscreens or apps confusing, or if it takes longer to feel comfortable with new devices.

The important thing is to go at your own pace and give yourself credit for every bit of progress you make. With patience and practice, technology can become a helpful and empowering part of your daily routine—even if it didn’t come naturally at first.

#3 Negative past experiences  

Perhaps you’ve tried to tackle the steep technological learning curve at some point — whether it was switching to a smartphone, cutting the cable cord for a WiFi-only TV service, or saying goodbye to your landline phone.  

These transitions often come with their fair share of frustrations, especially for those who didn’t grow up surrounded by technology:   

• Switching to a smartphone might have led to lost contacts, unwanted spam calls, or confusion over how to use even the simplest features — not to mention the learning curve with touchscreen controls. 

• Moving from cable to internet TV can come with its own headaches, like missing a big game due to buffering or struggling to navigate a new remote control.  

• For years, your landline phone was a reliable fixture — always in the same spot, always making the same sound, and always easy to use. Smartphones, on the other hand, are portable, often easy to misplace, have various notification sounds, and require multiple steps to check messages. 

Any of these situations — whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a bigger disruption — can leave you feeling frustrated. It’s tough when everyone around you seems to handle technology with ease, and you’re left struggling to make it work.  

These negative experiences can easily make anyone hesitant to try new tech. But understanding what went wrong in the past is the first step toward embracing technology that works for you today.  

All of these reasons are completely understandable, and they can make it difficult to see just how much technology could actually improve your life. But the truth is, the right tools can help you stay independent, enhance your safety, and even make daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. 

#1 Maintaining independence  

While we all may need extra support eventually, technology can be a great tool to help you maintain your independence as you age.³ 

As you age, you may need more support with the activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living. Smart home devices such as voice-activated assistants, automated lighting, or phone apps with medication reminders can help support your daily routine.

#2 Safety  

Tech doesn’t just make it easier for you to live independently — it also can also make it safer:

• Cameras can allow caregivers and family members to check in remotely. 

• Smart medication boxes can prevent dangerous overmedication.⁴   

• Personal emergency alert systems (like Life Alert)  

• Home security systems and automatic door locks  

• Smart thermostats  

• Smart kitchen appliances that can be turned off remotely  

• Lift chairs and other adaptive furniture  

• Power wheelchairs and other mobility aids  

• Hearing support devices (like hearing aids and phone call captioning apps) 

All of the above tech tools are simple to use, easy for caretakers to install and monitor, and (most importantly) enhance your safety. 

#3 Improved quality of life  

Perhaps the most attractive benefit of technology for you is that it can improve your quality of life. Technology can help you: 

• Enrich your life – Smartphones alone offer a link to the world outside of your home: They provide a source of news, music, television, information, and connection. Today, tech integration is one of the easiest ways to gain access to enriching activities and media.   

• Communicate with friends and family – Whether you relish daily phone calls with your grandchildren or keep in touch with long-distance friends, interactions like these can be sustained or enhanced by technology. If you struggle with hearing changes, a captioning app can help them stick to their regular phone calls; a smartphone camera can facilitate video calls. Technology can help you build stronger communication networks with their nearest and dearest.  

• Manage their care independently – With computer literacy and basic smartphone knowledge, you can maintain control of their healthcare: They can make doctor’s appointments, refill prescriptions, and make insurance inquiries on their own. While this may not be practical for everyone, control over your own medical care may be a big draw. 

• Stay engaged – From daily brain-training Cognitive Mobile Games (CMGs) or staying on top of world affairs with a news app, technology can help you stay sharp and connected to the world.  

If you're looking to embrace technology but feel unsure where to start, here are some simple ways to build your confidence and ease into it:   

• Ask for help with setup – Instead of dealing with complicated instructions or trying to set up new devices on your own, let someone you trust help you. Whether it’s setting up a security system or installing a smart device, having someone else get everything up and running for you can save time and frustration. 

• Start with something simple – Begin with something easy, like a touchscreen smart thermostat or voice-activated lights. These devices are user-friendly and can help you get used to the idea of using technology at your own pace. Once you’re comfortable with one device, you can slowly explore others that might fit into your routine.  

• Ask for support from family or friends – You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Ask family or friends to guide you or even encourage you to use your devices. Having someone you trust nearby to answer questions or offer reassurance can help you feel more confident in your ability to use technology.