Embracing Technology for Better Ageing
By Srianee Dias
I get a lot of forwarded WhatsApp messages these days with advice about what I should be doing to stay healthy as a senior citizen. Frankly, I don’t like being constantly reminded of the fact that I am getting older, although I know it is true. I know, I know! I should exercise regularly, eat food that keeps my gut microbiome happy, keep my brain fine-tuned by playing word games, etc. and make an effort to be socially engaged. All this is great, but none of these wise guys (I presume they are guys) advise me on how I should cope with the complicated technology that is a part of everything I touch.
Gone are the days when one could do the laundry by operating a washing machine with the simple turn of a dial. Now, there are a myriad of choices to make on a touch screen (some completely unnecessary choices) before one can get the machine started. And when the machine breaks down, sometimes soon after the warranty expires (as it happened to me once) you will discover that it costs much more to repair this electronic marvel, than to buy a new machine. There are ovens that can be preheated with your smartphone while you are stuck in traffic. Is that really necessary? Why can’t your family wait patiently, or make some sandwiches for themselves?
Have you tried to get help from your phone company or
internet/TV carrier lately? You have to listen to a long menu and push the
appropriate button that will hopefully connect you with a human. No such luck!
You will more than likely be directed to a “Chat Bot” who will spit out
a list of possible choices on your computer screen for you to select. None of them match the question for which you
are seeking an answer. Meanwhile, you
have wasted over half an hour of your precious time. (Hey, we are senior citizens, we don’t have a
lot of time to waste…)
Sometimes if one says “Agent” or “Operator” one may get
connected to a human in a call center.
My son-in-law discovered, while being on an endless loop on the phone
with the German customs, that when he raised his voice and started swearing, a
human being picked up the phone!
Dear Reader, this is my advice to you: arm yourself with some
choice swear words before you attempt to solve a problem with a corporation on
the phone.
In the old days (sigh) it was possible to dial a number and be connected to a real person who would listen to your complaint and direct you to someone who would attempt to solve the problem for you. There are a few rare companies that still employ people who can do this. But, they are so few in my experience. I hope they don’t disappear altogether!
Now we have Apps for everything and QR codes! All this means is that we won’t be able to
function efficiently without a smartphone!
Is it any wonder that old folks want to shut themselves up in their homes and not venture out? But, that is not the answer! We have to “Bite the Bullet” and forge ahead. Bribe anyone you know, who is under 40, and have them teach you how to use the smartphone effectively. A smartphone can be used for a lot more tasks than simply passing on messages that are received on WhatsApp!
Time for true confessions now. Even though I know I should
embrace all this technology to gain control of my universe, I am still
reluctant to rely on a digital boarding pass when I travel. I like having a printed hard copy with me at
all times! I don’t trust digital
technology 100%. I’m not sure that I
ever will. I guess I am an analogue person at heart!
Note from Mahendra. Srianee did not object to my addition of the funny cartoons.
Srianee
ReplyDeleteThat’s a lovely account of technological advances and their effect on seniors like us. Technology moves on and we will have to move with it as much as we can to make life easier for us. I blame Covid for some of the issues you have mentioned. Many now continue to work from home and there aren’t many to answer the phone in the office. This is the situation in the UK.
The mundane phone calls at all hours and every place spoken loudly do interrupt our idyll. It is a nuisance and the lack of concern for the comfort of others annoys me too. As I use the public transport a lot in London this is more of a nuisance to me and have learnt to switch off my brain. As a teenager I used to play loud music at home which annoyed my parents and the neighbours too. In those days I couldn’t figure out what the fuss was about.
I do agree with your sentiments and complaints. As the young don’t complain perhaps we will have to get used to the way they wish to live. It is their world now. Having said that, we haven’t yet left this world. They need to cater for us and not make life more difficult for us. Live and let live!!
Mahen, I love the cartoons you have chosen to go with my article. Thank you. 😊 Nihal, thank you for joining in on the discussion. I agree, people who have loud conversations in public places on their cell phones are really annoying! (I have to curb the urge to snatch the phones from their hands and hurl them out the window!). Although my article seems to be a bit of a "gripe fest," the bottom line is that we all need to master some of these technological challenges to enjoy life to the fullest. None of us were born with these skills. We had to learn, sometimes rather painfully. It is interesting to watch toddlers these days, swiping their parents' phones or tablets, to find something they want to watch. It is almost as if they have an innate ability. Is this evolutionary?
ReplyDeleteSrianee, Thanks for your throughtful and timely article. I shall comment on some aspects as a starter and follow up with more posts as the story unfolds!
ReplyDeleteThe fact that we all age is something we always knew. The fact that we all die one day is also something we always knew. But the reality of this reality really hits you when we reach the sort of age we have managed. The second point is that change is inevitable. Human ingenuity knows no bounds and we will continue to make life easier and more enjoyable by changing our environment (I don’t mean just physical) and using our ingenuity to make life more enjoyable and interesting. A key element of this is technological advance. And like all things which have enormous benefits, they have the potential to make life difficult or even harmful. The Cellphone (as you Yanks call it) or Mobiles as us ordinary folk call them are a good example.
I will be completely lost without my cellphone. It is one of the best “gadgets” I have. And as I said, there are disadvantages too, especially as we age. Managing purchases, communicating with friends, keeping in touch with world events is easy when we are young but the ageing brain with creeping memory problems can find these quite threatening. For the younger generation it is a “given”. The downside for youngsters could be less physical communication and interaction which can in some cases be frankly pathological.
My message is to try and keep up with technology as much as possible. It will help you. Do not become a slave to it but if we are to survive and keep part of society and not get marginalised, we have no choice. That is not quite right because we DO have the choice of acceptance!
I am so glad that you liked the cartoons I chose!
There are many advantages of digital technology too. Buying and paying for goods online and dealing with banks with cards have made life easier for everyone. It is so important to learn how to use them safely. Scams perhaps are the biggest hazzard to everyone using digital technology.
ReplyDeleteWe are able to communicate as we do now with WhatsApp and emails for very little cost and so easily. Even our blog which has kept us all together rides the ether controlled by digital technology.
I wish those who design digital equipment and usage in shops and banks have some consideration for seniors
As Srianee has said we have to bite the bullet. We must get on with it to learn to use it wisely and safely.
Mahen and Nihal, you have both raised some important points. We need to keep up with technology in order to be engaged with the rapidly changing world around us. Technology has the potential to open pathways to more enjoyable activities, as I am doing now, carrying on a conversation with my friends! This will become valuable if illness or age results in us being homebound. I know that many people enjoy play ing games with family and friends who live in distant places. No doubt, it is more fun to see people in person, but when that is not possible, video calls and Zoom meetings can be somewhat satisfying substitutes.
ReplyDeleteNihal referred to WhatsApp calls and messages, which are now a part of our lives. Whatever reservations I may have about Meta and Mark Zuckerberg, I am ever so grateful to be able to use WhatsApp to call and text friends and family all over the world. I remember my early days in the US, when I had to pay about $70.00 to make a phone call to my mother in Colombo. In the 1970s that was a lot of money!
Nihal also raised the issue of safety when using technology. Somehow the scammers know who the senior citizens are, and then aim their scam operations on us. I suppose that happens when they discover our birthdays on line. A few minutes ago I received a text message on my Sri Lankan cell phone (mobile!) which said "Your Savings A/C No xxxx has fallen to the dormant category. In order to activate same we kindly request you to visit your cf branch..." A phone number was included. I did not have an account in anything called "cf" but I had received similar texts before. I decided to check it out and called the number. A female voice answered and it was some 'Financial Company.' She said she could look up my account if I gave her my NIC number! My response was "I think you are scamming me, and I am not going to give you my NIC number. Please don't send me any more text messages!" We need to be very careful. I tried dialing that phone number again, but couldn't get through! I think they have given up on me!
On British TV and Radio it is often said someone is scammed every 10 seconds in the UK. That doesnt seem a lot when many are now aware of scams and some scams aren't successful. Just a few minutes ago someone scammed me on my iphone. There was an SMS asking me to use my whatsapp to contact this number as my son wanted some help. I have heard about this type of scam before and of its many variants. There are "weak" moments in our lives when in a hurry one can just go along and get scammed. The advise is never to rush, take your time and if unsure seek advice. Never discuss bank details on the phone. Crooks always find news ways to scam so always be aware.
ReplyDeleteNihal, scamming is a big business. The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) once traced a scammer and found him working remotely out of his bedroom somewhere in India. He was a young man whose parents thought he was working for a fancy internet company. But what he was really doing was scamming gullible old people in the US. We have to be extra careful, because we are considered easy targets.
DeleteHow timely this conversation of Tech and we now in our 80’s. I recently purchases a Bose headset and when I opened the box , there was no instruction manual , just telling me to scan the QR code. Fortunately my daughter was with me and after taking a picture of the code(“keep within the yellow box”), I was then directed to download the app and follow the instructions. Though some were easy others were somewhat complicated especially to my ageing brain.
ReplyDeleteI order to keep my Medical license I had to get 50 credit hours of continued medical education . I thought I will try it online and boy what a struggle going from the Article to the test questions. Finally I decided to write down the questions and derive the answers from the article. I still enjoy printed copies and prefer reading the printed newspaper. But i also believe if we are to survive, we have to learn the new way of life.
Thanks Bunter “ Srianee” for stimulating my thoughts in the changing way of life.
Rajan
Hi Rajan, thank you for sharing your experience with our rapidly evolving technology. I'm glad your daughter was close by to help you. (I'm not a fan of QR codes either.) Thank God, for patient daughters! I remember when I first bought my personal computer I had to have my older daughter take me through the steps to operate it. I wrote the steps down on paper, beginning with "Turn the power button on." I would call her when she was away in College (University) and bother her with questions. She was so delighted when I discovered "Apple Help" and started asking questions from the professionals. They are wonderful. Some of the things I will miss when I move to Colombo are the free classes held at the Apple store close to where I live. (I recommend them if you are an "Apple" devotee.) I take great pleasure in telling the young people at the Apple store that I was an Apple user before they were born! My first computer was an Apple II E, which was in multiple parts and occupied a large portion of my desk.
DeleteRajan, I think by sharing our experiences we can help each other use technology for widening our horizons and enjoying more activities. Thank you for joining in the conversation.
Hello Rajan
DeleteIts great to see you on the Blog. We all struggle with technology sometimes. There is a lot of help on Google, Youtube and Apple help as Srianee has said.
I too had the old beast Apple IIE. Size isnt everything as they wisely say. It had a mind of its on. Satchy from Wisconsin/Florida was a "lucky" owner too. He knew much more than I did how to manage it and help was always available.
Scams are a menace. Rest of the digital stuff I seem to manage ok, but am eminently aware that I am slowly and gradually falling behind the rapidly advancing techy stuff.
A warm welcome to you Rajan. What you said "I still enjoy printed copies and prefer reading the printed newspaper. But i also believe if we are to survive, we have to learn the new way of life." sums it up beautifully. I would add, not only to survive but get more enjoyment and satisfaction in life.
DeleteThank you very much Srianee for your interesting article which generated a lot of discussion. Addiction to screens (cell phones, laptops, desktops, TV etc,) is a well documented psychiatric entity. Few years ago I came across a medical student at Rajarata who was on medical leave for one year because he was addicted to games on his cell phone.
ReplyDeleteHowever, a smart cell phone is an indispensable item. I use it for multiple purposes such as for photography, diary, alarm, torch and of course for communication (verbal as well as messaging). After using it extensively, my monthly phone bill is less than Rs 5000.00.
Thanks for joining the discussion Sanath. You are a good example of how we can keep up with technology
DeleteSanath, thanks for your input. I have a question for you. Since you are still lecturing and teaching, do you use Power Point presentations for your lectures? Just curious...
DeleteYou have also listed all the things that the smart phones have replaced: a camera, calendar, alarm, flashlight (American!). I would like to add, a calculator, translator, device for streaming music, podcasts, movies, videos etc. It is amazing to think that this small device has replaced the ancient computers that used to fill up an entire room! All this in our lifetime!
We are able to carry all that power in our pockets!! Amazing!
It is very heartening to see this participative and useful discussion. All the points raised are very releavant. When some of my older associates say that the technology is beyond their intelligence I remind them that they are doctors and they couldn't have been if they did not have the intelligence. Seeking the help of the younger generation is not a bad thing but don't let them do things for you, ask them how to do it and do it yourself. I am posting a very useful Chat GPT (an AI Programme availble free). The question I asked and the reply i got.
ReplyDeleteChat GPT message:-How canolder people keep up with IT technology
ReplyDeleteChatGPT said:
Keeping up with IT technology can definitely be a challenge, but it’s also very doable! Here are some tips to help older people stay connected and comfortable with new tech:
Start with the basics: Begin with understanding how devices work. It can be helpful to familiarize with terms like operating systems, apps, browsers, and cloud storage. Many community centers or libraries offer beginner tech classes that explain these things.
Use user-friendly devices: Some phones, tablets, and computers are designed with seniors in mind, offering larger buttons, easy-to-read fonts, and simplified user interfaces. These can make the learning process less intimidating.
Take small steps: It’s important not to try to learn everything at once. Start with simple tasks like sending an email, using a video call app, or navigating social media. Once those are comfortable, move on to more complex tasks.
Watch tutorial videos: Platforms like YouTube offer countless video tutorials on everything from setting up devices to using specific apps. This can make learning feel more interactive.
Use tech support: Many companies offer customer support services tailored to helping older people navigate technology. There are also tech-savvy friends or family members who can assist.
Stay patient and persistent: It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t work right away. But patience and persistence are key—learning tech is a gradual process. The more it’s practiced, the easier it becomes!
Join a tech-focused community: Some online communities and forums are specifically designed to help older people with tech. Sites like AARP and others offer tips, news, and advice tailored for seniors.
Practice regularly: Technology becomes easier the more it’s used, so regular practice helps solidify the skills needed. It might be helpful to set aside time each week to explore and try new things
Thank you all, Nihal, Mahen, Rajan and Sanath, for joining in the conversation and sharing your experiences. Like Rajan, I still like to do some things in the old fashioned, analog manner. I also enjoy the challenge of mastering new skills on my digital devices. In the past, if something went wrong I would panic, and bother my daughter! Now, I try to solve the problem on my own, which sometimes involves reaching out to "Apple Help." Once I figure out the problem and straighten things out on my own, I feel such a sense of accomplishment, as if I have climbed Mt. Everest!
ReplyDeleteMahen, thank you for the Chat GPT hints, all very useful. As you say learn from your younger friends and relatives, without having them perform the tasks for you. (Avoid driving them crazy!)
Srianee
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post which was very useful and at the same time exposed my limitations.Decided to bite the bullet and get some tutorials on IT.
Hi Bora, good for you! I'm glad my essay spurred you into action. Believe me, you will not regret your decision to take some tutorials in IT. As ChatGPT advised us, do a little bit at a time. Good luck!
DeleteGood luck to you in your journey Bora. I can assure you that it would be worthwhile and rewarding. For a man who has mastered the Waltz, the quickstep. Tango and Cha Cha, this will be a piece of kiributh!
DeleteSrianee and Mahen
DeleteThanks for the encouraging comments, shall keep you informed of my progress.
Some useful definitions. A lot of people don't know the difference between a browser and an operating system. I heard many who say "I use Google" when they really mean the browser, Google Chrome.
ReplyDeleteA browser is a program that allows users to access and interact with the internet. It displays web pages, videos, and images on a user's device
search engine is a web-based tool that enables users to locate information on the World Wide Web.
Popular examples of search engines are Google, Yahoo!, and MSN
Operating system
operating system (OS) is the program that, after being initially loaded into the computer by a boot program, manages all the other application programs in a computer. The application programs use the OS by requesting services through a defined application program interface (API)
Eg. Some examples of operating systems include Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, Google's Android OS, Linux Operating System, and Apple iOS. Apple macOS is found on Apple personal computers such as the Apple Macbook, Apple Macbook Pro and Apple Macbook Ai.
I hope this helps.
Mahen, this is useful information. I had a vague understanding of all that but you have made it clearer. I use Duck Duck Go as my browser, which minimizes the annoying advertisements that come your way when using other browsers.
DeleteSrianee, sincere apologies for the delay in replying. This is my 56th year of academic paediatrics. When I started in 1969, I used glass slides; I used to visit Bin Ahamed's at Galle Road ,Bambalapitiya to get those prepared. It was rather cumbersome and could not be modified. Then I graduated to transparencies and finally to Power-Point which is so convenient which could be stored in a pen -drive and carried in one's pocket.
ReplyDeleteAnother important use of the cell phone is the Google Map App, which is very useful when driving, to locate addresses.
Sanath, You are definitely keeping up with the technology!
DeleteSanath, you have kept up with technology and many other areas which tend to be neglected as old age catches up with us. Keep going my friend.
DeleteI would like to take a little detour now and write about another technical innovation that has improved my life. My hearing aids (plural). A few years ago my family (my daughters in particular) were complaining that I was making them repeat what they were saying. “Mom, you need to get your hearing checked!” My response was, “Oh you people mumble” or “You talk to me while walking away from me.” I’m sure that sounds very familiar to many of you. I finally relented and got my hearing checked out. The verdict was “mild hearing loss” and I was given the option of trying out a pair of hearing aids for 3 months. I was told that I could return them if I felt that they didn’t improve my hearing. I tried them out and I was converted! I certainly didn’t want to return them.
ReplyDeleteI am now an ardent advocate for the use of hearing aids before the hearing loss becomes too severe. Unfortunately, hearing aids are expensive and not very user friendly. But, It is easier to get accustomed to using them when you are seventy than when you are ninety. I would recommend getting the rechargeable types, because fiddling with the tiny batteries is not an easy task.
Most new hearing aids can be adjusted using the bluetooth function on a smart phone. Of course, the two devices need to be ‘paired.’ (The people who supplied the hearing aids did that for me.)
I know that many people don’t want to wear them all the time. Why? If it is not part of your routine like brushing your teeth, you will forget to wear them daily. On most days I don’t have anyone else in my home conversing with me, but yet I wear my hearing aids, because every sound I hear, the chirping of the birds outside my window or the music I am listening to, is sending stimulating signals to my brain, and that is a very good thing.
There is growing evidence that if hearing loss is not corrected in time, cognitive loss will occur. This is a very important reason for getting one’s hearing checked. If hearing aids are recommended, make the effort to learn how to use them effectively. Once you master the finer points, you will experience many wonderful things that you never knew you were missing!
Srianee, I must confess that I have not observed your hearing aids. Presbycusis is the term used for the loss of hearing associated with aging. My late father used to wear hearing aids in the 1950s and those were quite bulky.
ReplyDeleteThank you Srianee for bringing up an important topic. Hearing is vital for our well being at any age. At our age it is essential to maintain contact with friends and family and to keep our minds in gear.
ReplyDeleteHearing aid seem like an important accessory for old age and a very useful one too. I listen to a lot of classical music often at great cost to myself, at the concert halls in London. When I found that I couldn’t hear the high notes of the violins I thought my hearing wasn’t good enough and got my hearing tested. The person who tested me was a pretty Afrikaans lady. Her accent was hard to decipher and I wasn’t sure if it was my hearing or her accent that was the problem. Anyhow we struggled through the test. I went for a basic behind the ear hearing aid (BTE) which changed my hearing and my life for the better.
There are a few issues with the contraption. At my age I do not mind its bulk and ‘unsightly’ appearance. There are occasional extraneous noises like squeaks specially while in a crowded noisy room. I have learnt to ignore them. It is a hindrance than a help speaking in a room with a large gathering. I remove them and manage ok.
The hearing aid is a foreign body hanging on to my ear. After a couple of hours it gets tiresome and I remove them. I tend to wear them everyday but in short bursts when I’m listening to music. This seems like a good compromise.
My hearing aid requires batteries and I cope quite well changing them weekly.