A common stereotype that abounds these days is the notion that older adults simply don’t know how to use new devices, but in actuality, your age doesn’t (nor does it have to) define your technological abilities. As the world’s reliance on smartphones and computers grows, there’s no better time to rethink the connection between virtual accessibility and aging.
If you’re in your post-retirement years and want to make the most of the digital world, you’re in the right place; here’s how you can boost your knowledge and engagement within the growing digital world.
Use Tech to Keep in Touch: Video Chatting, Texting, and More
Technology can be instrumental in helping you maintain strong bonds with your loved ones. If your family lives far away or is too busy to visit often, turn to tech to bridge the gap. You can also schedule video chats and text messages and keep up with your loved ones on social media.
All of these outlets keep people connected, and as an older adult, it’s essential to prioritize your relationships. Therefore, whether you use a smartphone or computer to re-establish your connections, make it a goal to give new communication methods a shot.
Download Apps to Make Your Life Easier
Apps, short for “applications,” are programs found on a phone or computer that fulfill a specific purpose on your device; they’re usually very user-friendly and easy to navigate, and these days, there’s an app for almost everything.
You can learn languages, do your grocery shopping, and chat face-to-face with your loved ones, and there are even some senior-centric apps that offer convenience and safety features specifically designed for older adults, all from your device.
What’s more, many apps designed with seniors in mind are multi-purpose, which means you can access important information, entertainment, and social connections, all with the click of a button!
Track Your Health With the Latest Gadgets
Fitness trackers are perfect for all age groups, as they can provide users with important information about their physical health with just a glance. From counting your steps to logging your sleep cycles, there are endless opportunities for health tracking in today’s digital world.
One advantage of fitness trackers is their simplicity and ease of use; you can wear them as bracelets, rings, or armbands. Trying to incorporate more technology into your life is good, but don’t overwhelm or frustrate yourself with too many complicated gadgets right away.
Health and fitness trackers can also help you manage chronic conditions and relay important information to your doctor, as you may not recognize important health patterns without seeing the data from a tracker.
With that said, here are some things fitness trackers can measure:
- Heart rate
- Sleep (hours and cycles)
- Steps
- Calories burned
- Workouts
- GPS routes
- Water intake
- Nutrition
There are plenty of affordable options on the market, and if you eventually want to scale up your fitness tech, you can also choose from more expensive and complex devices.
Play Your Favorite Games
Playing games is a great way to start your journey with technology, as, in the modern world, you can find any type of game online. Whether you’re a solitaire fanatic or a connoisseur of two-player board games, you have plenty of options.
You can play games anytime with apps, websites, or computer programs. Apps might be more convenient if you want to play while you have some free time as you’re out and about. But your tablet or computer screen will offer a larger viewing area for your gameplay.
Read Books on Your Tablet or Smartphone
Enjoying technology is not mutually exclusive with giving up reading. E-books offer all of the same stories and information without the weight of physical books—all you have to do is purchase and download the title you want—and you’ll have access to it 24/7!
Some libraries even offer digital books that you can download to your device for limited periods, meaning you don’t even have to spend a cent to enjoy the magic of digital stories. Reading anything you want at any time you like is an experience of unmatched convenience.
Join the Digital World at Any Age
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed or intimidated by technology! Nevertheless, with confidence and the right resources—like this guide—on your side, you can join the digital world as a tech-savvy senior!
