Over-65s taught by younger adults how to use WhatsApp and scan a QR code

06 February 2024 , 16:50

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Older and younger adults can learn helpful advice from one another - from tech tips, to good manners (Image: PinPep)

Over-65s have shared the top 20 things they have learned from younger generations – as well as the top 20 things they have taught them in return.

Tech tips top the list of things that older adults have learned from those aged 18-24 – such as how to use WhatsApp, set up a Zoom call, and scan a QR code.

And when it comes to pearls of wisdom they pass down in return, good table manners took the top spot – followed by how to be respectful, and using the correct grammar.

It comes as a survey of 2,000 adults found that 84% believe a lot can be learned from family members of all ages. And while 89% of 18-24-year-olds claim to have helped out those who are older, 42% of this younger age group also feel they have learned some helpful tips and tricks from their older peers.

Other handy hints passed between age groups include teaching older adults how to use modern slang, and the meaning of tech-related jargon – while, similarly, the older generation have educated their juniors on what older slang words or sayings mean.

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The research was commissioned by Smart Energy GB, which has teamed up with singer Melanie Blatt and her mum, Helene – who recently appeared on the hit TV show, Race Across the World, helping each other to navigate their way across land and sea.

Over-65s taught by younger adults how to use WhatsApp and scan a QR code

But four in 10 admit the older they get, the more they struggle to get to grips with new technology (SWNS)

Younger adults also learn from their older peers - such as how to use correct grammar, and have a good work ethic (SWNS)

The pair are now helping people to see how the transfer of knowledge between generations can be useful to both parties.

Melanie said: “It's one of the most important things to progress and grow as a person, learning from the older generation. You’re supposed to learn from the past and their wisdom.

“Especially with mothers and daughters, there's always going to be that thing of like, you know best. But then when you do become a mother, suddenly everything your mother ever told you that probably ticked you off when you were young starts to make sense.

“If I have a tech issue I’ll ask literally anyone who’s around me – my mum, my daughter. She’s my number one for tech support, because anyone knows more than me – but even I think a smart meter’s display is simple and easy to use.”

The research went on to find 42% struggle to keep up with new technology as they get older. One in 10 of the older generation do not feel confident about using new tech – with smart watches and video games the things they are most unsure about.

However, 42% say they’re more likely to keep up with modern technology if it means they can participate in conversations with younger friends or relatives – and 94% of over-65s agree that you are never too old to learn something new.

Meanwhile, 86% believe that learning from younger friends, or family members, can be helpful for those who lack confidence when using modern technology.

Some of the top things they have mastered in the last five years include becoming more confident using smartphones (55%), as well as understanding how to use a smart meter and in-home display (29%).

On the flip side, 53% of younger adults believe that spending time with older relatives or friends makes them feel wiser, according to the stats, by OnePoll.

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Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “Being able to give and take advice from friends and family is a really important way to learn – especially when it helps to make life easier day-to-day.

“Requesting and using a smart meter is a great example of this, and really simple, even if you’re not confident using more modern technology.

“Smart meters are installed at no extra cost by your energy supplier, and only measure how much energy you’ve used. They work just like a traditional meter, but take away the hassle of taking and sending meter readings yourself.”

TOP 20 THINGS OVER-65s HAVE BEEN TAUGHT BY YOUNGER FRIENDS OR RELATIVES: