Posted on Wednesday, July 9, 2025
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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson
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0 Comments
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Communicating and staying in touch with others in the modern world requires some knowledge of technology. Seniors who feel challenged by new developments in the tech world should not hesitate to be involved. Rather, jump in by taking classes or asking family and friends in the know to share their knowledge. Here, we put together an easy guide to using Zoom for seniors who might be a bit apprehensive with technology yet seek to learn more and stay engaged.
Why learn new tricks?
It’s human nature to enjoy routines. In fact, many people find comfort in repetition. But change is inevitable, and older people must strive to learn new things to remain active and function well. Regardless of age, being open-minded to changes and improvements in technology is essential for communication in today’s world. So, pardon the expression, sometimes old dogs must learn new tricks to keep up.
Why Zoom?
Communicating via these and other popular platforms is essential for doing everyday tasks. Many trades are moving away from old-fashioned telephone calls to conduct business. For example, most doctors’ offices now use automated services or require patients to go on an app to make their next appointment. Medical patients may also be required to respond to a text to confirm the appointment time and date. These are prime examples why knowing technology basics is a must for all adults. This is particularly helpful for seniors who visit their doctors regularly.
What’s Zoom?
This American technology communication company is primarily used for video conferencing. It allows users to attend online meetings, enjoy webinars (online seminars that run presentation into real-time conversation), and engage in online chats. Note that other similar services exist such as Microsoft Teams where participants can communicate via video, audio technology, or a combination. Zoom features offered include:
- The ability to connect from afar or without having to leave the home or office.
- Easy screen and file sharing options for work and other joint projects.
- Integration with calendar apps or other project management software.
- Recording and playback features for team building or missed sessions.
- Special features like breakout rooms, polling, and whiteboarding for improved engagement.
- Use of text chat or ability to speak privately or through groups.
- Security features like waiting rooms, password protection, and encryption
Let’s learn more – Zoom 101:
Zoom is a cloud-based app that is available to download for free, but there are also subscription upgrade options. Using Zoom offers a great way for people to communicate from a distance. People can host or participate in Zoom video or audio-conferencing events and other collaborations such as webinars. Typically, participants are invited by a host via email link or URL. Participants may use the Zoom app to attend events upon invitation. Participants may sometimes choose to bypass the app to attend events, but this limits the experience. Hosts are typically required to set up an account to run a meeting. Depending upon setup, IDs and passwords may be required to join meetings.
Here are some basics for joining a meeting as a participant:
- Using your preferred device, such as a computer laptop, login to your email account and open the Zoom invitation.
- One may be instructed to download the software to open the Zoom application. Typically, step-by-step on-screen instructions are provided.
- Go back to the invitation to open and join or click on the meeting link (usually a ‘zoom.us’ link).
- One may be required to enter the meeting ID and password on the Zoom app or website.
- When joining, use the prompt to display your name. This makes your name visible to other participants.
- Depending upon the desire to fully interact, one may choose to enable web-cam video or microphone or both.
Cool things to know:
- Zoom video conferencing is fairly easy to navigate. Though it is frequently used by entrepreneurs and businesspeople, it may also be used for hosting social events, such as family meetings, book clubs, craft events, and Bingo nights.
- Zoom offers Google calendar support, meaning that Zoom is compatible with this service which enables businesspeople and others to keep track of online events.
- Plan to join the meeting 5 to 10 minutes early and expect to stay in the meeting for its duration.
- Dress appropriately and be mindful of what others can see and hear during the meeting.
- When hosting a Zoom event, test the setup and keep the content engaging. Also consider time zones and other factors to maximize participation and involvement.
- Hosts have unique control. For example, they can manage participants (mute, unmute, remove, etc.) and modify settings to decide whether people can share their screens or have private chats, etc.
- Zoom has a feature that allows participants to put in their own background.
- Basics to scheduling a zoom meeting:
- Open the Zoom app
- Click “Schedule a meeting”
- Set date & time
- Add participants by using their email address or meeting link
- Customize settings (audio, video, recording options)
The bottom line
This easy guide to using Zoom is designed to benefit people who are unfamiliar with these communication platforms and seek to learn basics. Technology is continually evolving. Still, Zoom is a popular way to access information and communicate for business and personal reasons. Senior citizens may be required to know this technology to conduct everyday tasks such as confirming medical appointments, reviewing bills, and receiving personal messages. While it may feel overwhelming to learn new skills, it is entirely beneficial to have some knowledge of how to navigate popular devices. Older people who lack experience with technology may take classes to acquire basic skills or ask younger family members to show them the ropes. This not only serves to keep the brain sharp, but it also promotes self-sufficiency, independence, and the peace of mind that senior citizens deserve.
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