Only 53% of seniors actively engage on the Internet, which leaves the rest out of touch and disconnected from their loved ones (that’s you).
You may live 3000 miles away during the year, but Thanksgiving means rare quality time with pigskin, parades, and Poppa. With our Grandparents Gone Wired campaign launching Dec. 4, you can get a jumpstart by using Turkey Day to upgrade the seniors in your life. Follow the below guide throughout the holiday or download it here [1]:
1. Arriving
It’s snowing hard, so Aunt Delia’s flight is delayed. Show your grandparents computer basics, like how to check the forecast online or how to set up a weather widget on a Mac. Teach them how to go online and search flight delays on an airline’s website. Will Aunt Delia’s flight ever get out of Detroit?
2. Preparing the Meal
OK, she’s stuck - and so is the recipe for her famous stuffing. Crisis.
But, maybe not: help them use a search engine to look up another recipe. Or better yet, show them how to email Aunt Delia for hers.
Turns out, the special stuffing recipe calls for tarragon. What the heck is tarragon? Where do we find it? Introduce your grandparents to Google Maps. That way, they can search for a nearby grocery store, find the location and, of course, call first, because who actually carries tarragon?
3. Watching Football and the Parade
Show your grandparents how to join their favorite team’s Facebook page. While you’re at it, help them create a username, password, and upload a profile photo.
And, too bad: Aunt Delia’s flight was cancelled, and she never made it in. Teach your grandparents how to Skype with her. That way you can watch kickoff and kicking Rockettes together.
4. The Feast
Your grandparents will take about 123213243 photos during dinner. Show them how to upload them to Facebook, create an album, and tag photos. They’ll love how the Timeline feature acts like a digital scrapbook. And, show them how to friend and message Aunt Delia: “Thanksgiving - and the stuffing - just aren’t the same without you!”
5. Shopping and Black Friday
Teach your grandparent the wonders of online shopping. Have them sign up for Facebook and search stores’ pages for early Black Friday deals (there are tons). “Look, Grandma,” you can say, “Best Buy has incredible Black Friday deals on iPads.” Then act surprised when it appears in your stocking.