If you've laughed at the image of a row of young people lined up on a sofa, each one with a smartphone, laptop or other personal electronic device, then you can appreciate the irony of the idea of individuals who are separately involved in their own versions of "social media" and effectively isolated from others close in space but far apart in "connectivity." But where connectivity may have served to stop young adults from interacting with each other, at least in a face-to-face setting, the reverse may be true for older adults.
Retirement can contribute to both physical and emotional separation from other people in unacceptable ways. If that's the case, those same devices in the hands of seniors can restore important mental and social connections that have been lost.
Small Packages Offer Big Benefits
Smart phones, tablets, lightweight laptop computers, and a wide variety of other electronic tools and digital devices have changed modern life in ways unimagined only a few years ago. In addition to other benefits, modern technology has improved our ability to keep in touch, access information, work at home, listen to music, watch movies, monitor the weather, and even help others monitor our well-being.
If you're new to the digital world and still a bit skeptical about the advantages, where do you start? How do you find the device that best fits your needs?
Making the wrong choice might heighten your frustration level, but if you choose properly, you'll enjoy the possibilities offered by your new device as much as your children and grandchildren do. You might also find that technology knows no age limits, and that it's fun to text rather than call, keep up with your favorite people through their tweets and exchange recipes with old friends via Facebook.
You can also view family vacation photos in "real time," find important information almost instantly, listen to your favorite tunes whenever you choose, and get help quickly should you need it.
Smartphones are Smart Choices
Perhaps the most valuable of all personal devices, smartphones unlock a lot of the keys to good living, allowing you to view maps and obtain directions both from your home and while you're in motion. It’s a simple thing to find a nearby post office, restaurant or all-night pharmacy wherever you may be. You can access the internet to find the answer to a question—almost any question—in the blink of an eye. You can snap pictures and show them easily, read books, play games, write notes to yourself and others, set personal alerts to remind you of appointments, and even make phone calls.
Retirement lifestyles today encourage exercise and activity. What better way to make sure you don't miss a lunch date, a golf game or your dog's grooming appointment than to carry your calendar and all your contact information with you? Today's smartphones, even though relatively small in size, have enormous possibilities to organize your activities and to connect you with the world at large. They can replace your watch, bring you the news, and wake you in the morning. They can also provide peace of mind, because you can keep them with you at all times.
If you're concerned about your ability to manipulate small buttons or touch screens, or if you have either vision or hearing difficulties, look into the available screen options and ancillary features of different models on the market. Smartphones have brightness settings, a choice of audible or vibrating alerts (in some cases, flashing lights as well), visual and audible prompts, and voice commands that allow hands-free operation. They can be synched with your computer and linked wirelessly to other devices and digital equipment.
Prices for phones and service plans range from bargain basement simplicity to "Cadillac" quality with all the bells and whistles. Tailor your choice to your needs. Then, during your retirement years, resolve to spend some enjoyable time "plugged in" as you act just like every other youngster!
