Using Technologies (p1):
Research, explorations, discussions, and products and resources relating to Using Technologies: from Tech-enhanced Life.
Avoiding the digital divide. using computers, tablets, smartphones, wearables (activity-trackers) and more.
For Older Adults, their Families, and Caregivers
— and for Companies Creating Innovations Related to Aging.
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Featured Guides & Reports: Using Technologies
The "Useful Apps Club" for Older Adults
Unlock the potential of your smartphone or tablet to improve your life.
The "Useful Apps Club" is for older adults and Boomers who have a smartphone or tablet (or are thinking of getting one) and need help to turn it into a useful tool. We are focused on finding Apps that can change your life, and teaching you how to use them.
DIY Technology Solutions to Things Bothering My Aging Relatives
My relatives and their friends are in their 70's and 80's and 90's now, and I am finding they have some recurring "problems" that get in the way of life being as enjoyable as I think it should be. I have come up with a variety of DIY "Tech Solutions" to these problems that I have implemented for them. I hope they will be useful for you too.
How to Find "Whatsername" After All These Years?
Peter Paul and Mary had a hit single decades ago called “Whats-her-name.” The chorus goes: “I wonder whatever happened to whatshername.” Your PC might help you find not only whatshername, but also whatshisname too. Here is how to do it.
An Internet Enabled Life
Having used technology all my working life, and now being retired, I notice that many of my peers are missing out on some of the benefits that come with appropriate use of the latest technology.
In this first of a series of articles, I start by just describing my Internet-enabled life. In other parts of the series, we offer essays describing a myriad of ways the Internet can enrich your day. I want to get you “hooked” to the Internet.
Technology & the Future of Aging
This is a live recording (slides and audio) of a talk given by Richard Caro entitled "The Future of Aging, & the Intersection of Aging & Technology". This talk was given in March 2019, at the Commonwealth Club, San Francisco.
What They Want vs What You Think They Need
I've said it before. Most of the products for older adults that we see are frankly not very good. This article is about two especially common pitfalls. I think of them as the "eat your broccoli" error, and the "I know how to market to 40 year olds" issue.
Alzheimer's Thermostat Design: Jeeves vs. Nurse Ratched
Thoughts about thermostats and people with dementia. Remember Jeeves, and Nurse Ratched? Imagine they were in charge of designing products for older adults. I wish we had the sort of products I imagine Jeeves would have designed for Bertie Wooster. Unfortunately, we seem to get the products Nurse Ratched might have dreamed up for the unfortunate inmates of "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest".
Smart Home Share & Learn: SF Explorers
When asked which smart home devices they have, San Francisco Explorers answer with more than a few of their personal favorites. .........Read more
Ideas for Alexa skills or routines to keep my Dad engaged
I'm giving Dad a couple of Alexa Echos for Christmas (he has a big house and is hard of hearing). I'm trying to find some good skills and maybe set up some routines to get him to actually engage with the devices. I was thinkng of creating a morning routine that includes a greeting, the weather... ....... Read more
Tech Support: How Do You Do It?
How do you keep your gadgets and computers working?
Our explorers are talking about this topic, and comparing notes. Join the discussion. Share what you do in the comments below.
Framing the Question:
Back in the day, you could go to the... ....... Read more
Best Video Call Technology
Now that we are all "sheltering in place", finding ways to interact virtually with people from our homes has rocketed up people's priority list.
We have had quite a few emails now from people wanting to know the best way to have video calls with their family and friends. Here are some... ....... Read more
SF Explorers use Amazon Echo Show to Reach Across the Country
The San Francisco Explorers participate in a cross country video call demonstration of the use of an Amazon Echo Show. .........Read more
Generational Learning Styles: Impact on Product Design
Intergenerational discussion about Learning Styles. How do they differ between generations? What is the impact of that on developing products for older adults? .........Read more
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Go Go Quincy
Go Go Quincy is a website designed to provide easily accessible tech support services to the 55-plus market.
Candoo
Candoo offers technology concierge services intended to assist the user with as-needed online sessions, a membership subscription, and online help with device installation and setup.
GetSetUp
GetSetUp.io is an interactive social and learning system designed to help seekers learn new tech skills or get started on new tech projects.
Support.com
Support.com is an online tech support service intended to provide remote help and solutions to computer and other device-related problems.
Total Tech Support (Best Buy)
Total Tech Support from Best Buy is a membership fee-based service intended to provide a range of tech support services and discounts on repairs.
WellBe
WellBe from HandsFree Health is a virtual healthcare assistant, which comes in a smart speaker and, optionally, with a modern-looking, smartwatch-type medical alert.
Oscar Senior & Oscar Family
Oscar Family is an app for tablets or smartphones that provides a simplified visual interface designed for ease of use by older adults, and communication with family or friends.
This product is made and sold by a company called Oscar Senior, which also sells a ...
CompuMed
CompuMed is a countertop device to store and dispense medications at pre programmed times, with alerts.
Skype
Skype is a free app for video calling which can help people stay in touch over long distances.
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