Technology: Using It, Choosing It, Finding Support

Using Technology, Finding Technology Support: Senior Perspective

A big focus of Tech-enhanced Life's work is finding ways technology-based products can improve the quality of life for all of as we age.

But often, for those products to be useful, older adults need to make some changes to their way of life and learn new things. Sometimes, people need some help and advice with that.

This page is our Topic Hub for "Using Technology" — considered from the points of view of an older adult, or their family member, or caretaker.

If you or an older adult you know would like to use some of the clever new products and services that can improve life, but are not sure how, this is a place to look for ideas. You will find lots of more specific recommendations (Alexa, Smartwatch Medical Alerts, Wearables, Tools for Avoiding Loneliness and more) on various Topic Hubs listed on the main Recommendations page.

If you have something you think belongs on this page and are interested in being a contributor or collaborator, see more about how to collaborate here.

Featured Content: Technology: Using It, Choosing It, Finding Support

Technology to shelter in place and stay home

Technology for Sheltering in Place

While staying at home for weeks or months on end is hard for everyone, older adults have some unique challenges. And as the enforced lockdown winds down eventually, those over 70 are likely to be the last to see a return to "normal" life. We created this page so members of the Tech-enhanced Life community have a place to share their learnings about how they are handling the challenges of "sheltering in place", and to compare notes about technologies they are finding useful.

Read: "Technology for Sheltering in Place"

Amazon Echo Show: Older Adults Explore

Our Longevity Explorers have been testing the Amazon Echo Show and exploring its capabilities. With the ability to make phone calls and video calls on request, Alexa and the Amazon Echo Show have added important capabilities since our community of older adults first explored Alexa back in 2017. Learn what these "seniors" think is (or is not) useful about it; what questions they have; and what they think needs improvement.

Read: "Amazon Echo Show: Older Adults Explore"

Amazon Echo (Alexa) for seniors and the elderly, brainstorming session by older adults

Amazon Echo and Alexa for the Elderly

The older adults in our explorer groups have recently become interested in a relatively new product: the Amazon Echo and its artificial intelligence Alexa. Here are their thoughts on topics like: do we want one; why would we want one; what do we use it for; and wouldn't it be great if it could also do ...".

Read: "Amazon Echo and Alexa for the Elderly"

The Email

For as long as I can remember, my late mom, who passed away at 96, used to call the PC that sat on their desk “The Email.” This segment of "My Internet enabled Life" talks about "The Email".

Read: "The Email"

The Internet

This segment of "My Internet Enabled Life" talks about the evolution of the Internet and about how it works.

Read: "The Internet"

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.

Read: "How to Find "Whatsername" After All These Years?"

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 the first of a series of articles, I start by just describing my Internet-enabled life. Going forward, we will offer essays describing a myriad of ways the Internet can enrich your day. I want to get you “hooked” to the Internet.

Read: "An Internet Enabled Life"

Computers and Me, Since 1968!

Unlike many of my age peers, I have been using computers since before they became small enough to become the popular tools that took us from the Industrial Age to the Digital Age. Now that I am retired they are still an essential part of my life. Here is a brief history of my life using computers, highlighting some of the ways they have made my life more interesting and enriching.

Read: "Computers and Me, Since 1968!"

Older Adult Perspectives — Longevity Explorers Discuss:

Using Technology

Topic(s):

Using Technologies

Thing(s):

Computers, tablets, phones, Gadgets and widgets

Key words:

How to choose technology, how to use technology, technology for seniors

Last Updated: April 24, 2020.

Technology: Using It, Choosing It, Finding Support