Modern technology updates at great speeds these days, and keeping up with the changes can be difficult for anyone. For the elderly, complicated systems can make basic tasks seem really difficult. Things like checking emails, doing video calls or getting access to important links through their web browser.
The task of just opening the web browser can be problematic at times.
You dont need to buy a sophisticated computer to make these important things accessible to the elderly. Usually just a basic computer, changing a few settings and setting up the desktop in a simple way can make things much easier.
We will talk about a few different tips and tricks to help setup a computer for a senior to help them get accustomed to there computer much more easier.
1. Adjusting Windows Acessibility Features
Most operating systems have built in Accessibility features, Windows 10/11 and macOS have quite a few features built into them. These features allow you to customise your operating system how you want it.
Some things you can do to help improve the interface is the following:
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- Increasing the overall text size and icon sizes: Theres a setting called "Scale" in the display options which allow you to increase the sizing of text and icons by increasing to 125% or 150%. You can choose the one that best suites.
- Enlarging the pointer for your mouse: The small mouse icon can be difficult to see at its default size, also the color can make it blend in with things on the screen. These can be changed, you can increase the size and also change pointer color.
- Apply keyboard shortcuts: You can create shortcuts on your keyboard to help open certain things more quickly.
- Press CTRL to show where the mouse cursor is: You can adjust settings to allow the mouse cursor to be seen when pressing CTRL.
2. Simplifying the login process (but keeping security)
The easiest way to login is to remove your password or setup automatic login but these days its a big security risk. A wrongly clicked link or a scammer getting remote access into your computer can allow them to steal your personal files, bank card information and also give them access to your web browser which can contain all your passwords and other information.
Instead of removing the password , switching to a PIN may make things easier, because its easier to remember and shorter to type.
These days its important to keep your computer as secure as possible.
Shortcut: Right click the start button -> Click run -> Type: ms-settings:signinoptions -> Press enter. Under PIN options you can setup a PIN code to login.
3. Remove bloat and lessen the clutter on the desktop
Newly bought branded computers and laptops usually come preinstalled with useless software, services, popup notifications and startup programs. These can take up sections of the screen, slow the computer and cause annoyances.
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- Uninstall apps that arent necessary: By going to Apps & features menu you can scroll through all the installed apps and remove ones that arent needed.
- Keep the desktop clean: Just keep the programs and shortcuts on the desktop that are needed. Remove anything else.
Shortcut: Right click the start button -> Click run -> Type: ms-settings:appsfeatures -> Press enter
4. Install necessary and straight forward software
You will want to make sure the most important and useful software is installed to make the computer easier to operate. Which can include the following most common programs:
- Email Management: Most people will mostly use Outlook for their emails which is purchased with Microsoft Office. But we also recommend Thunderbird, which has all the features you need and is free. (which is a great mail client).
- Web Browsing: The most popular ones are Chrome or Firefox. You will still have the preinstalled Microsoft Edge on the computer. There are also various other browsers but these are the most common.
- Media: VLC Media Player is great for playing videos or songs.
Install a good antivirus program
Installing a good antivirus program can help to save a lot of stress and help to prevent viruses and malware from taking advantage.
- The latest version of the Windows Defender with Windows 10/11 which already comes preinstalled with Windows is a bit better than older versions and is capable of providing a lot of protection.
- But we recommend Malwarebytes Antimalwareas well because it works alongside other antivirus software adding extra protection. This program is able to detect a lot of malware/adware that is not detected by others.
5. Become familiar about scams & fake alerts
Scams will target seniors as a priority so its good to make sure you understand how these scams work. There are many different types of scams and they will use different methods to try and trick you.
- Identifying fake browser popups: Scammers will use scripts to pop up full screen alerts with loud beeping noises to make it look like your in a bad situation. They will also show contact information for you to call.
If you receive phone calls where someone wants to access your computer to solve computer issues or help you pay some money you may owe without you having started the request for help, its probably most likely a scam.
If a call seems forceful and you feel uncomfortable its best to hang up.
Its best to read up the different types of scams there are.
Try this quiz to learn how some emails can act like proper services: https://phishingquiz.withgoogle.com/
Connecting to the internet
Running a cable directly from the computer may save issues with Wireless dropping out causing you to lose your internet. Wireless can be more clean but it can also be prone to more problems when the internet drops out.
If your modem drops out thou you can still lose access to your internet through a network cable.
Setup mouse to show where the pointer is when you press CTRL
In Bluetooth & devices -> Mouse settings in the settings panel. You will find a section saying Additional mouse settings. Click on this will bring up the below window where the CTRL key can be enabled.
Shortcut: Right click the start button -> Click run -> Type: ms-settings:mousetouchpad -> Press enter. Click on the Additional mouse settings.
Adjusting the screen resolution
Adjusting the screen resolution can make it easier for you to see the screen and icons, but there is also another setting called Scale which helps to magnify the screen which would probably work better.
Shortcut: Right click the start button -> Click run -> Type: ms-settings:display -> Press enter. You will find the scale feature in there.
Adjust Desktop Icon Sizes
You can also increase the size of your desktop icons by right clicking on an empty spot on the desktop, going to view and then clicking what size icons your would like.
Eye Control for Windows 10/11
A special feature in Windows that allows you to connect an eye tracker to your computer, this will track where your eyes are looking and Windows will help to simply your actions.
Make sure your Windows is updated from time to time
Making sure your Windows is up to date is good to make sure everything is working properly and to help keep you updated with the most recent security updates. You update service is usually automatic but at times they don't so it needs to be manually started.
Its not compulsory but can help keep things working better but not always.
By right clicking the start button, selecting settings and then clicking Windows Update you can check for updates.
Senior Friendly Keyboard
There are certain keyboards that are designed to make it easier for seniors but it depends on why you would need one. Some contain bigger keys so you can see the keys better, illuminated lights to make it easier to see and different layouts to make it easier to press keys.
Some are designed in an S shape so you are not holding both your arms in front of you and you can rest your arms outwards.
For example this one is the Azio Backlit Keyboard.
Senior Friendly Mouse
There are computer mice that can make it easier for you to navigate as well as trackballs where a ball in the middle of the pad is placed and the ball it moved around to move the mouse pointer, this can be more precise but slower than the common mouse.
For example this is the Kensington Trackball
