Technology
Trying to keep up with technology like mobile phones, tablets, e-readers and computers is a never ending cycle. Just when you think you've got the hang of a gadget or service, something changes or something new comes out. Add that to the deterioration in hearing, eyesight and mobility that some of us experience with getting older and it's no wonder we can sometimes struggle a bit.
So, here are a few resources that you can call on if you need some help or suggestions to make things easier to use, like adjusting the display or volume settings of your device, setting up voice activation to make it easier to use, getting articles read out to you or sharing your location with family or friends.
The Library
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure offer free, one-to-one support sessions and have learning advisors if you need help with smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. Have a look here:
...or pop into our local library and ask about it. They don't do it in Neilston Library but I'm sure they can put you in touch with someone to help you.
Charities
Age UK - have step-by-step guides on making your smartphone, tablet or computer easier to use. They also offer a downloadable PDF version here.
Independent Age - a UK charity with lots of advice and information for older people trying to get online.
Scope - a disability equality charity in England and Wales that has some useful tips on using your smartphone.
Whatsapp
Since we use WhatsApp for our group chats, here's a few things that might be useful:
How to format your messages - this'll tell you how to format text as bold, italic, underline, quote or code; or create bulleted or numbered lists
How to use polls - polls are a simple way to ask questions and get real-time answers
How to use live location - this'll let you share your location with a contact or group chat
You can see the full range of WhatsApp help topics here: https://faq.whatsapp.com/
Facebook Messenger
If you use FaceBook Messenger, here's a few things that might be useful:
Polls on Messenger - polls are a simple way to ask questions and get real-time answers
Send your current live location - this'll let you share your location with a contact or group chat
Send a pinned location on Messenger - useful for sharing things like places to meet or places of interest
You can see the full range of FaceBook Messenger help topics here: https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/
Others
Here are a few more useful online resources about making things easier for older folks: