(MENAFN- The Conversation) Holidays are a time for family and friends to come together, to celebrate and to enjoy each other's company. Older adults, who are often , can particularly to reconnecting with family and friends. However, when technology enters the picture, gatherings may not be quite so positive.
All across the U.S., people of all ages are – including . My research, and that of others, has found that using computers, smartphones and the internet can help seniors and , and of . Technology use can also help older adults and help them stay connected with loved ones.
However, my research, with colleagues, has also found that older adults still . This can cause problems during holiday-season family gatherings, when younger relatives are likely to want to spend lots of time on their smartphones and other devices, often ignoring others in the same physical location. It's a conflict one of my Ph.D. students, , has called the '.' Fortunately, our work both offers explanations for these difficulties and suggests ways to turn holiday disagreement and disappointment into increased family connection that can last all year long.
Conflicting feelings
When they're away on family visits that can last several days, it's common for young people – tweens, teens and those in their 20s – to want to stay connected to their friends. However, older adults nearby may feel frustrated, disrespected, isolated and even offended.
In our study, older adults told us they often attempt to limit this and other negative effects of digital devices by . They ask their friends and relatives to put devices aside during mealtimes and other key activities, to better focus on engaging with others face to face.
But that's not the only way to create a balance between using technology and interacting directly.
Finding opportunities
Certainly there can be times when devices should be put down and in-person interaction comes first. Yet all generations can benefit when older family members see how to .
Our work suggests that situations with potential for intergenerational conflict can be shifted to bring relatives together: Younger generations can show their older family members about technological devices.
Grandchildren, for example, can demonstrate to their grandparents how they use mobile phones, tablets and social media, explaining what they like about the technologies. It might even turn into a teaching opportunity, helping older family members learn to entertain themselves online. They might even want to find out how to text – or even video chat – with geographically distant relatives. Using these technologies can help people stay connected to friends and family once the holidays are over.
That will likely require some additional patience on the part of the younger technology coach. Older adults . And it may be harder for them to , so they might need to be shown how to use the device or app several times. A key factor is making sure the relatives know they when technical difficulties inevitably strike.
If older family members see how excited their descendants are about using digital devices, they may decide to cross the generational digital divide – which can help them live more enjoyable, connected lives not just during the holidays, but all throughout the year.
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