Tech Skills for Older Adults

In a digitally interconnected world, personal electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are important tools to communicate with others, seek information, manage finances, find entertainment, and more. However, as smartphone technology has continued to evolve, many older adults report a lack of confidence and knowledge when using smartphones and tablets.

Offered by the Center for Healthy Aging, Tech Skills for Older Adults is an age-friendly technology education platform composed of video tutorials and printable guides to support older adults learn more about their mobile devices.

How to Use This Website

The educational content of this website is organized into themed modules. Each module includes 3 topics with each topic focused on a specific app or navigation skill. Each topic includes a video tutorial and a written guide, which can be viewed at the bottom of each topic card. Progressing through each module and topic can be done in any order depending on your needs.

Module 1: Navigating Your Device

Buttons & Main Screens of
the Smartphone

This section will identify and describe the actions of the power button, volume buttons, ringer, SIM card storage, home screen, lock screen, notification center, and controls center.

Frequently Used Icons
Part I

This section will describe the appearance and purpose of icons often found on apps and websites. This section describes the icons for download, menu, share, and more.

Frequently Used Icons
Part II

This section will describe the appearance and purpose of icons often found on apps and websites. This section describes the icons for profile, filter, full screen, and more.

Module 2: Communication Apps

Texting with Smartphones

This section will provide step-by-step instructions for creating a phone contact, starting a text conversation, replying to a text, texting pictures, using speech-to-text, using emojis, and searching for a text conversation.

Video Chatting with Zoom

This section will provide an overview of Zoom, a free video chatting app, and provide step-by-step instructions for creating a Zoom account, creating a Zoom meeting, joining a Zoom meeting, and using key features during Zoom calls.

Emailing with Gmail

This section will provide an overview of Gmail, an email app created by Google, and provide step-by-step instructions for creating a Gmail account, emailing others, emailing a picture, deleting emails, sorting emails with labels, and more.

Module 3: Entertainment Apps

Spotify App: Listening
to Music & Podcasts

This section will explore the Spotify app and provide step-by-step instructions for creating a Spotify account, searching for a song, making playlists, listening to podcasts, and more

Libby App: Reading Library
eBooks & Audiobooks

This section will provide an overview of accessing your local library’s eBook and audiobook collection using the Libby app. A valid library card will be needed to use the app.

YouTube App:
Watching Videos

This section will provide instructions for watching videos with the YouTube app. Watch videos related to cooking, product reviews, religious services, and more.

Module 4: Grocery & Food Preparation Apps

Clipping Coupons with the Kroger/
King Soopers App

This section will explore how to use the Kroger app to apply coupons at Kroger affiliated stores such as Kroger, King Soopers, Smith’s, City Market, FredMeyer, Ralph’s, Fry’s, QFC, and more.

Clipping Coupons with the
Safeway App

This section will explore how to use the Safeway app to apply coupons at Safeway. This section can be used as a guide for other store apps under Albertson Companies such as Albertsons, Vons, Acme, and more.

Finding Recipes with the
Supercook App

This section will explore how to use the Supercook app to generate recipes with what you already have in your kitchen. Supercook is a tool to discover new recipes and limit food waste.

Module 5: The Facebook App

Finding & Chatting with Facebook
Friends Online

This section will provide step-by-step instructions for downloading the Facebook app and creating an account. This section will also explore how to befriend other people on Facebook.

Interacting with Online Communities Using Facebook Groups

This section will explore Facebook Groups to connect with people who have similar interests and backgrounds. This section will also explore how to post as well.

Buying & Sellings Items on
Facebook Marketplace

This section will explore how to post items to sell on Facebook and communicate with interested buyers. This section will also provide best practices for safety.

Tech Skills for Older Adults was created by Rachel Washburn, B.S. ‘24 Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, and was originally piloted at the Fort Collins Senior Center in February 2023.

A research registry is a list of people who may be interested participating in research studies. The Healthy Aging Research Registry will be comprised of people who want to be contacted about studies on aging and age-related conditions. The information collected in the registry will be stored in a secure database and access to your contact information will be limited to a Research Registry Committee of Center for Healthy Aging leaders. CSU researchers who are performing studies that align with your interests will be given your contact information and may contact you to gauge your interest and eligibility in their study. You can then choose whether or not you would like to participate.

Interested? Click here to join the registry online. For questions about the registry, email [email protected] or call 970-495-2528.

Colorado State University

Vice President for Research