How to Use AI to Help Elderly Parents with Technology

“Can you just show me how to do the video call again?” If you’ve got older parents, you’ve probably heard this, often more than once. Smartphones, online banking, repeat prescriptions and video calls with grandchildren can make life much easier for older people, but learning new technology can be frustrating for everyone, especially from a distance.

AI can make helping a lot less stressful. It can write simple, large-print, step-by-step guides tailored to your parent’s exact phone, explain things in plain language without jargon, help you plan a gentle learning session, and teach the warning signs of scams. It’s patient in a way none of us always manage. This guide takes about 30 minutes to make your first guide.

What you’ll need

• Your parent’s device and its model (for example iPhone 13 or Samsung tablet)
• A short list of things they’d like to do
• A printer, or a notebook for handwritten guides
• An AI chatbot and about 30 minutes
• Patience, and a cup of tea

Step-by-step: help elderly parents with tech using AI

1. Start with what they want. Ask what would make their life easier or more fun: seeing grandchildren, online shopping, NHS App, photos, audiobooks. Motivation beats a long list of features.
2. Find out the device details. Note the make, model and operating system. Instructions differ between iPhone and Android.
3. Make a simple guide. Ask the AI for a step-by-step guide for one task in plain language (prompt 1). Print it in large type and add screenshots if you can.
4. Practise together, hands off. Let your parent do the tapping while you guide them with the sheet. It’s slower, but they’ll remember far more.
5. Explain the jargon. Ask the AI for a short glossary of words like “app”, “update”, “Wi-Fi” and “password”, in plain English (prompt 2).
6. Talk about scams. Older people are often targeted. Ask the AI for a simple, non-scary scam safety sheet (prompt 3), and agree a rule like “call me before you click”.
7. Plan for remote help. Ask the AI to help you plan how to support them from a distance (prompt 4), including setting up video calls and simple troubleshooting steps.

Copy-paste prompts

1. Simple step-by-step guide

Write a step-by-step guide for my [AGE]-year-old mum or dad to [TASK, SUCH AS MAKE A WHATSAPP VIDEO CALL] on a [DEVICE AND MODEL]. They're [DESCRIBE CONFIDENCE LEVEL].
Use short numbered steps, plain words with no jargon, describe exactly what they'll see and where to tap, and add a "what to do if it goes wrong" section. Keep it to one page that I can print in large type.

2. Plain-English tech glossary

Write a short glossary of 15 everyday tech words for an older person who's new to smartphones, such as app, update, notification, Wi-Fi, password, settings, link and download. One simple sentence each, with a real-life comparison where it helps.

3. Friendly scam safety sheet

Write a friendly one-page scam safety sheet for an older person. Cover the most common scam calls, texts and emails, signs something's not right, what never to share, and what to do if they're unsure, including calling a family member and reporting scams. Keep the tone calm and reassuring, not frightening.

4. Supporting from a distance

I live [DISTANCE] away from my parent, who uses a [DEVICE]. They often get stuck with [PROBLEMS].
Suggest ways to help from a distance, such as screen sharing options, simple troubleshooting steps they can try first, how to set up the device to make things easier (larger text, fewer apps on the home screen) and local sources of help.

Recommended tools

• ChatGPT: simple guides and glossaries; can read screenshots on many plans.
• Claude: warm, patient explanations.
• Gemini: handy for Android phones and Google accounts.
• Grok: quick answers to “how do I…?” questions.
• Age UK: free guides and local digital skills support for older people.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

• One task at a time. Learning five new things at once is overwhelming at any age.
• Let them drive. Doing it for them is quicker, but they won’t learn.
• Make the device simpler. Bigger text, fewer apps and a clear home screen help a lot.
• Check instructions on the device. AI may describe menus that look slightly different.
• Respect independence. Ask before changing settings or managing accounts for them.
• Keep passwords safe. A password manager or a securely stored notebook beats a sticky note on the screen.
• Agree a scam rule. “Never give codes or bank details to anyone who contacts you first.”

FAQ

How do I explain technology without being patronising?

Use plain words, compare things to everyday life and let them ask questions. Ask the AI to keep the tone respectful.

Are there local classes for older people?

Many libraries, Age UK branches and community centres run free digital skills sessions. Age UK’s website can help you find local support.

Should I set up their online banking for them?

Only with their consent and involvement. It’s their account, and they should understand how to use it safely.

What if they don’t want to learn?

That’s their choice, and it’s worth respecting. Start with one thing they’d genuinely enjoy, like seeing photos of the grandchildren, and let their curiosity lead from there.

Write a step-by-step guide for my [AGE]-year-old mum or dad to [TASK, SUCH AS MAKE A WHATSAPP VIDEO CALL] on a [DEVICE AND MODEL]. They're [DESCRIBE CONFIDENCE LEVEL].
Use short numbered steps, plain words with no jargon, describe exactly what they'll see and where to tap, and add a "what to do if it goes wrong" section. Keep it to one page that I can print in large type.

Related guides

• How to use AI to deal with tech support (and actually get it fixed)
• How to use AI to spot scam emails and texts
• How to use AI to understand official letters and forms

Reference: Age UK: Internet and technology