Technology for Seniors

Just because you are a senior, it does not mean you can’t be savvy about high tech.

Granted, some of today’s technology can be intrusive, and even annoying. Part of that has to do with how people use computers and cell phones.

Let’s all agree on some things. At a table in the middle of a fine restaurant is not the place for an animated cell phone conversation. And if your cell phone rings in the middle of the Pastor’s sermon, maybe you need to know how to set it to silent!

Many of us complain that the younger generation does not communicate well and perhaps that is our own fault because we are not keeping up with current technology.

I personally do not like multi-tasking but I certainly can get back to someone pretty quickly if I am driving when the phone sounds. So, just leave me a message or text me!

Texting is worthwhile learning. We have a grandson in Los Angeles and when the quake was announced the other day, I texted to see how he was doing. When an answer did not come back, I left a voice message. Turning on my phone the next morning, I saw a message saying they were fine but did not receive the message right away, because of the quake. That made me feel good that he was fine and there was one less thing to worry about.

Our granddaughter here in Texas is on the go all the time, so it is more convenient for her to answer a quick text than an actual call.

Some of my friends will easily update me via text although they might not be in a situation to have an actual phone conversation. It is convenient!

Most seniors I know can navigate their way around a computer. There are several places to learn about computer programs and especially e-mail is nice to understand. E-mail helps you to keep in touch with people anywhere and to even send and receive photos.

E-mail used to be a little less invasive and not so annoying when we first used it in the 1990s. If you are receiving a lot of spam (unwanted messages), think about using an additional web-based e-mail program from Google or Yahoo. Don’t give out your primary address to anyone other than your special friends.

Try to remember that not everyone wants to read every joke or political comment you receive and think twice before you forward. When you receive things you do not want, don’t obsess about it! Just hit the highly effective device call the Delete Button!

We also use our computers for doing business, reading news, playing games, checking weather, printing photographs, writing letters, finding information and generally keeping in touch. We would be lost without them!

Let’s not forget digital cameras. We can take better, crisper photos that can be placed in a computer program and used in many different applications. Start with one-time use digital cameras and switch to something more sophisticated later.

Of course, many seniors have had their hearing vastly enhanced with digital hearing aids. So, perhaps seniors are more with high tech than we think!