Tired of buying the same old socks and jammies for mum and dad every Christmas? Good news – tech gadgets are no longer just for the young! With Youngster.co, you can gift cutting-edge technology and have a tech-savvy local Youngster set it up and teach your parents how to use it.
This isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about bridging the generational gap for better physical and emotional wellbeing. Studies have shown that participating in intergenerational programs like Youngster.co leads to better physical and cognitive function and wellbeing for older adults – the best Christmas gift you could give.
Youngster gift vouchers: new skills and intergenerational connection
A Youngster gift voucher gets your parents one-on-one sessions with a local tech savvy Youngster who can teach them essential tech skills, from using a smartphone to navigating the internet. Book individual sessions, or sign up for the 12 week Foundations Course. Youngster sessions can also be used for home tech help, including setting up any of the tech gifts in this guide.
Our Youngsters are keen to learn from the wisdom and experience of seniors, who teach them important life skills. Through tech help sessions both younger and older generations are able to connect.
Smart watch: wearable health and communication
A smartwatch, such as an Apple Watch, is a fantastic way to help your parents monitor their health. It can track sleep, measure heart rate, and even alert them to take medication. However, retailers tell us that most seniors don’t know how to use all the features of their smart watch, and often end up just using it to tell the time. That’s where Youngster comes in. A session can cover everything from setting up the watch to learning how to interpret health data.
Tablet: the gateway to the digital world
iPads and other tablets make great Christmas gifts, and offer numerous benefits, such as video calling, online shopping, and even digital reading. A Youngster can set up the device, making sure it’s user-friendly and tailored to your parents’ needs. For seniors, we recommend tablets like the Lumin, which are designed to be particularly user-friendly.
Spotify: a journey through musical memory
Music has a unique ability to tap into our deepest emotions and even improve mental well-being. For ageing parents, listening to their favourite old tunes can be therapeutic. Studies have shown that listening to music can help reduce anxiety and depression, and help maintain speech and language for people suffeing from dementia.
Getting your parents a premium Spotify account for Christmas means they can instantly listen to all the music from their younger years without ads. A Youngster can set up a Spotify account for them and show them how to create playlists filled with their favourite nostalgic tracks.
Video calling: connecting face to face, miles apart
Living far from family is tough, especially during the holidays. Video calling platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and Messenger can bridge that gap, but many seniors struggle to use them. Buy your parents a Youngster voucher specifically aimed at setting up video calls, ensuring that you’re never more than a click away.
If you have young children, a Youngster can also teach your parents how to play games with your children over video call, making chats with grandma and grandpa even more fun.
Audible and Kindle: for the love of books, minus the small print
As eyesight weakens with age, an Audible subscription provides an excellent alternative to physical books. A Youngster can help download the app and demonstrate its features, ensuring that your parents can enjoy their favourite titles without straining their eyes.
Kindles can also make a great present for a parent who likes to read. They have a range of accessibility settings, including large print. A Youngster can show them how to download and buy new books, so you can be sure the gift will be used.
Smartphones: staying connected in the modern age
Smartphones do far more than make calls—they’re a hub for photos, videos, apps, and messages. Whether your parent needs a high-end smartphone or something simpler, a Youngster session can demystify the device, focusing on the features that will bring the most value to their life.
If your parents need a new phone check out the Choice guide to mobile phones for seniors. The guide includes a range of easy to use smart phones, as well as basic phones that mimic the features of previous phone generations. You could event install some online games and puzzles on the phone that have been shown to improve memory in older adults.
Digital photo frames: a trip down memory lane
Reminiscing is not just pleasant; studies have shown it can improve cognitive function and emotional well-being in older adults. A digital photo frame can display an ever-changing array of cherished family photos. A Youngster can help your parents digitising their physical photo collection and set up the frame.
For a photo frame that delivers even more check out the Genus Photo Frame that has been specifically designed for seniors. It’s an all-in-one communications device that monitors, alerts, and allows secure video calls, all while sharing photos.
Smart home gadgets: making everyday tasks easier
Virtual assistants like Google Home or Alexa can perform a myriad of tasks, from setting reminders to controlling smart home devices like lights or even the kettle. For seniors with mobility issues, this can be a game-changer. A Youngster session can cover device set-up and teach your parents voice commands, simplifying daily routines.
Experience gifts: creating memories together
Last but not least, never underestimate the value of spending quality time together. Whether it’s a day at the theatre, a weekend getaway, or a simple dinner, shared experiences are priceless. Book tickets for something you’ll all enjoy, and spend time together as a family at Christmas.
If you’re finding that your parents aren’t participating in activities they used to enjoy, sometimes the problem can be that the booking process has moved online. A Youngster can show them how to search for events and activities online and book tickets, so they can stay active in their community.
In the spirit of Christmas, let’s focus on gifts that enrich lives. At Youngster, we believe that intergenerational connections benefit everyone. Our local, tech-savvy youngsters are eager to bring new skills and experiences to your ageing parents, while also learning from their wisdome and experience. So go ahead and make this holiday season truly special.
