Technology has significantly advanced over the last 20-plus years and continues to at, what some might consider, a dizzying pace. Equal parts intimidated and excited would perhaps best describe how most of us feel as we approach available technology. With an open mind towards technology and the drive to learn what many devices and programs have to offer, we will be rewarded by how much more the world opens for us.
Technology has the potential to connect us in ways we never dreamed of 20 years ago. New opportunities for learning online, communicating with friends, family, healthcare givers, and even first responders are literally at the tip of our fingers. Let’s not forget that entertainment possibilities increase almost exponentially.
Here are simple ways we can approach smart technology and how it can expand our world as we age:
Easy Does It
Start small. Don’t try to take it all in at once. The amount of learning material can be overwhelming but we don’t want to get discouraged.
- Choose one piece of technology to start with and branch out from there. Whether it’s a gadget like a robot vacuum or your phone; if you want to learn how to make a call, storing contacts and information, or even texting, just pick one thing at a time.
- Study that one thing until you’re comfortable with it. When it comes to your phone, before moving on to multiple applications, known as “apps,” understand how one of them works and master that. For example, learn how to add contacts to your smartphone and practice adding them before moving on to texting those contacts.
Homework
Take the time to research different available apps.
- Learn more about an app before you download it. Make sure it is something you either want or need before downloading. Some smart devices require you use an app to use the device. Research the smart device and how to use it before making your decision to purchase.
- Make a list of the apps you think might be helpful to your lifestyle and needs. If you have a subject of interest or a service you need, there is likely an app or smart device for you.
- Pre Existing apps. Most, if not all, smart phones come with apps already on it. Use Apple’s App Store or Android’s Google Play Store to review these apps to determine if it’s worth keeping them. You can use those same resources to review the apps you’re interested in before downloading as well. It’s best to only download apps from your devices app store for the safest most secure experience.
Senior Living™ has several articles to help you forge through the app maze. Here are some helpful apps for seniors.
Lifestyle
While researching various apps of interest – because you did do your homework.. right? – you probably noticed there are apps designed to help make your life better. Here are a few major categories you might want to consider looking into for a lifestyle pick-me-up:
- Healthy living apps. Tracking your activities, exercise accomplishments, heart rate, and blood pressure, are just the starters. There are apps to help you manage your medications and to engage with healthcare professionals too.
- Reminder apps. These apps help you keep track of commitments. Phones typically come with a calendar app already, but it’s worth looking for a scheduling or note app that can also provide a reminder.
- Food delivery services. There are several possibilities from your local grocery store to companies such as DoorDash that will deliver from many restaurants. Be aware that restaurant delivery can get expensive because of the fees and tips.
- There is the voice aspect to your phone, of course, but there is also text messaging and video calls that allow you to see in real-time the person you are calling. Apple iPhones come with FaceTime, plus there are many apps including Zoom, WhatsApp, and Skype that help us keep in touch with family that is far away. Studies show that connections like these can help fight loneliness and depression.
Security
Online security is always a concern. Never download anything you are not sure about. We recently provided tips about online security. Weather you’re using a computer or smartphone, here are some ways to spot and avoid scams on the internet and in our email accounts:
- Never open or respond to an email from an unknown source. Look at the sender’s email address. Scammers often send what looks like an email from a well-known source, but the sender’s address is from a different source.
- Avoid interacting with pop-ups and ads that sound too good to be true. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ignore it and move along. If something piques your interest, do a separate search on the subject of interest to find out more.
- If you are unsure, ask a friend to look at it. Another pair of eyes is always helpful. Sometimes when we consider making a decision, involving another person for their opinion helps you make the right choice.
- When in doubt, trust your gut. Delete the ad or email. If someone, like your bank for example, really wants to get ahold of you about an official matter, they will send you a physical letter via good ol’ fashion snail mail.
The Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers Green Valley Scam Squad is dedicated to keeping up with new scams and getting that information out to the public. They have a lot of great resources for helping you identify and report scams.
Gadgets
Technology, combined with an internet connection, combined with the right gadgets, can make our lives simpler. Here are two such devices to make that happen:
- Voice-activated devices. Such devices are connected to your internet and are designed to respond to a human voice instead of a keyboard. These devices remain silent until you engage them by asking for information. These devices can not only give you news, but their access to all the information on the internet essentially makes them your verbal keyboard. Weather, music, and factual information are all available. There are subscription services available to allow your voice-activated device to call for emergency assistance if you need it.
- Video-activated devices. A common application of video devices is our doorbells. Products such as Ring provide a wireless view of your front door (or wherever you place it), let you know who is at your door without opening it, and record movement in and around the area. This is helpful to combat porch pirates. Both are good safety practices.
As daunting as it may seem, technology can help seniors, or anyone of any age, for that matter, with a variety of tasks like monitoring our well-being. Look to your local library as a resource for learning more about the technology available and how you can apply it to your lifestyle.
Keeping in touch with the grandkids, borrowing books from the library, and taking an online college class are just some ways we can stay connected and active.
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PODCAST
The world can be a big place, even for our older loved ones, with the help of technology! We discuss simple ways we can approach smart technology and how it can expand our world as we age.
Podcast Archive With Expanded Content and Resources
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