Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? With baby boomers moving towards retirement and having more time than ever for fun and relaxation, technology can be a great way to get the most out of your golden years.
The most important thing to remember is that easy is best when it comes to technology. Many computers, MP3 players, smart phones have become simple enough that you don't have to be an electrician to figure out how to plug everything in and make it work. The second thing to remember is that inexpensive is very important, too. With new versions and models coming out every six months, unless you are already a computer nerd you need easy and cheap, not expensive and glitzy. Unless you are already savvy, the best idea is usually to stick to a basic set up.
Picking a "Home Base" Mac or PC?
Do you want to video chat, have fun with photography, or listen to music? PCs and Macs have different benefits.
PCs are usually cheaper. You can get a Dell Latitude laptop for under $500 dollars and it will be a great "base" for doing word processing, web surfing, and emailing. Macs on the other hand, tend to be better for people who want to do video chat (since cameras are built in) who want to engage in artistic pursuits such as digital photography and want to easily interface with iPads, iPods and iPhones. Mac products do tend to be more expensive with laptops often costing more that $1,000, unless you check for refurbished computers.
Tips and Tricks
Shop Certified: One great deal is to purchase a refurbished computer that is certified refurbished by the manufacturer, which affords you protection in case the machine has issues.
Ditch the GPS device: the future is here! Use a Smart phone such as an iPhone or a Droid, which has mapping and navigation features. One less thing to keep in your car.
Don't bring a camera: Most smart phones have an 8 megapixel camera. That is the same amount of photo power as many older digital cameras.
Put the paper away: Most smart phones can keep your lists for you on the go.
Demand a senior's discount: It never hurts to ask, especially since there are so many programs allowing discounts for students.
Dump the DVDs and CDs: Think of how much clutter you can remove by getting rid of all of those CD cases and DVD sleeves!
Take a class: There are many organizations that focus on teaching seniors how to use technology in peer to peer settings. Find one that uses older teachers so that you don't have to deal with a "whippersnapper."
With the right technology, you can decrease the amount of clutter in your life and keep everything in one place. For seniors on the go, this can be an immense savings and also leave you with less to worry about, carry, and have serviced. Also, for those with occasional "mind blips" the organization that a computer can bring is like an extra brain always accessible!
Amy B. Sycamore is a technology consultant who is focused on helping senior citizens get better access to technology.
