Senior to Senior: Technology

You don’t have to be a genius to dip your toes into the digital world. Technology is here to stay, and it can make your life better. We are lucky to be living in a technology driven world. We’ve come a long way, but there is still a little reluctance or downright resistance to new stuff, but seriously, aren’t you just a little bit curious? We know in our hearts that we should try, but sometimes it seems so hard. First time dabblers often rely on children and grandchildren to problem solve for them, but it often means waiting for days, or weeks, for them to have time for you. The thing is, we all need to learn enough to keep lines of communication open. If your kids move away or the grandchildren go off to college, you need to figure things out on our own. First, let us look at why seniors should embrace technology: It’s all about communication. The pandemic really drove home the importance of being linked to the outside world. Our physical world has grown smaller, but the need to keep in touch and to stay informed is ever present. Really. Wouldn’t you like to be able to hear from family and friends, listen to the latest church sermon, take a class, research your ancestry, or exercise with an instructor? You can you know; you can invite the world into your own home. What to do: Don’t let your insecurities keep you in the dark. Tap into the next generation; if you are lucky enough to have grandchildren, you could trade a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies for their expertise. Don’t just ask for help, ask for instruction. Don’t despair if family members are too busy to help you. Seek help elsewhere. The first step is your public library. Second step is your Senior Center. They are there for you. They have books, classes, and tutors. You are not a failure if you need help. Technology is the biggest gift of our modern world. If you adopt and adapt you can enjoy the benefits and the world will be yours.