Keeping Seniors Safe & Connected
Help your parents navigate technology with confidence. Practical security advice, technology learning services, and professional help desk support from trusted partners.
Security Essentials for Seniors
Older adults are disproportionately targeted by scammers. These are the critical protections to put in place, explained simply.
Password & Account Security
Simple, strong practices that don't require technical knowledge.
Scam Protection
Seniors lose over $3 billion annually to scams. Here's how to protect them.
Email Safety
Email is the #1 attack vector for seniors. Simple rules to stay safe.
Financial Protection
Protecting banking and financial accounts from unauthorized access.
Phone & Tablet Security
Keeping their most-used devices safe and easy to recover.
Privacy Settings
Limit what information is being collected and shared.
Myth vs. Reality
Common beliefs about seniors and technology — and what the evidence actually says.
My parents would never fall for a scam
Seniors lose over $3 billion annually to scams. Scammers are professionals who target older adults specifically — it's not about intelligence, it's about experience and isolation.
Mom is fine living alone with her phone
Social isolation makes seniors more vulnerable to romance scams and fake friendship schemes. Regular check-ins are protective, not intrusive.
I'll set up their tech for them and that's enough
Scammers evolve faster than settings do. A monthly check-in and a family code word are more effective than one-time setup.
Create a family code word with your parent
Call your parent tonight and agree on a secret word only your family knows. If anyone ever calls claiming to be a family member in distress and asking for money, your parent asks for the code word. Scammers won't know it. It takes 2 minutes and could save thousands of dollars.
Technology Learning Services
Patience-first services designed specifically for older adults who want to learn technology at their own pace.
CandooTech
Professional, patient tech support designed specifically for seniors and their families. Personal tech concierge service.
- One-on-one video or phone tech support sessions
- Help with device setup, email, video calling, and social media
- Ongoing relationship with the same support person for continuity
- Family dashboard so you can see what help has been provided
- Specialized in working patiently with seniors at their pace
Senior Planet
Free technology courses and resources from AARP's technology education program for older adults.
- Free online and in-person technology classes
- Topics include smartphones, social media, video calling, and online safety
- Peer-led classes designed for absolute beginners
- Available nationwide with both virtual and local options
- Part of the AARP network with trusted, vetted content
Tech-Enhanced Life
Personalized technology coaching that helps seniors use tech to improve their daily quality of life.
- Focus on practical skills: ordering groceries, video calling family, managing medications
- Home visits available in many areas for in-person setup and training
- Step-by-step written guides customized for each person's specific devices
- Follow-up sessions to reinforce learning and address new questions
- Patience-first approach with no judgment for any skill level
Words You Can Use
The literal words you can say — not a bulleted list. Read these out loud and make them your own.
“Mom, I want to make sure you're safe online. Can we set up a few things together — not because you can't do it yourself, but because scammers are getting really sophisticated?”
— Opening the conversation without condescension
“If anyone ever calls saying they're me and I need money or gift cards, hang up and call me back on my regular number. We should have a code word to be sure.”
— Establishing a scam-prevention protocol
Help Desk & Family Support
You shouldn't have to be your parents' tech support alone. These services provide professional help, and here's how to set up a support system.
Setting Up a Family Tech Support Plan
Create a sustainable system so you're not the sole tech support person.
Emergency Tech Response Plan
What to do when something goes wrong — before panic sets in.
Support works best when it preserves dignity and control. Set up safeguards together, write down the recovery plan, and practice what to do when a suspicious message or call arrives. Avoid taking over accounts unless that is clearly requested and documented.
— [Your name here], Founder
Aging Parents Discussion
Ask a question or share something that helped. Never include identifying information about a child.
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