Technology Connects and Empowers

Cyber innovations can enhance virtually every aspect of our lives, and there’s no better time than a new year to brush up on our technology skills.  

While older adults are often stereotyped as being intimidated by technology, they are increasingly embracing its unique ability to connect and empower them.  

Debunking the Stereotype 

Consider this: 

• Older Americans are just as likely to own a smart device (phone, tablet, watch, etc.) as those under 50. 

• 89% of Americans aged 50+ own a smart device.  

• 61% aged 70+ say they have the digital skills needed to take full advantage of being online. 

Fear Not 

Still, some remain hesitant to jump on the technological bandwagon, especially as the landscape is changing at breakneck speed. Be that as it may, it’s not necessary to know everything there is to know (no one can!).  

A general grasp of everyday technological options goes a long way. Build confidence gradually, one feature at a time, and don’t be afraid to try. It’s almost impossible to “break” your computer or smart device.  

If you’re hesitant to jump into the tech arena alone, solicit the help of an in-person training course (check with your local high school, senior center or college campus), online resources such as YouTube, Google or ChatGPT or a favorite grandchild.  

Start With Security 

Seniors are prime targets for cyber scams. In fact, 75% of older Americans report that they have been the target of cybercrime, 19% say they have been a victim of it, and 43% know someone who has.  

It’s crucial to protect your privacy online; elder scams, phishing (fraudulent attempts to extract personal information) and identity theft abound!  

Here are some basic rules of cyber protection: 

• Never click on suspicious links or emails. You can hover your mouse over a link before you click on it to see if it’s a legitimate address.  

• Always use strong, unique passwords for every online account; a password manager like NordPass or LastPass can help you store your various passwords in one secure, easily accessible place.  

• Enable two-step authentication in your web-based accounts for extra security.  

• Never share personal information such as your social security number or bank account information with unknown entities.  

• Your mother was right – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut and steer clear of online “click bait” designed to grab you and deceive you.   

Once you’re securely online, the next step is to ask yourself what’s most important to you. How can technology serve you best? Is it beefing up your social network, learning something new or being entertained, leveraging the help of smart devices or all of the above? 

Consider what matters to you most and focus your skills on your wants and needs.   

Building Connections 

Many seniors are lonely and isolated. Impaired mobility, poor health and lost loved ones all play a role in diminished social interactions. The Internet changes all that, allowing people to reach out across the miles, find like-minded people and groups or share life experiences with friends and family all over the world. 

• Social media. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Snap Chat…the list of social media platforms goes on. Beginning as a novelty for college students, Facebook is increasingly the domain of older adults. Seniors are also delving into other platforms. “I love Instagram,” said one 79-year-old woman. “I can see what my grandkids are up to, and it’s fun to share photos and adventures.”  

• Video technology such as FaceTime, Skype, Zoom and Google Meet became front and center during the pandemic, but the silver lining of video conversations remains. It’s simple to set up and learn video tools and simply delightful to see a friendly face on the screen.  

• Online communities. Specialized forums and groups are abundant online, providing ample opportunities to foster hobbies, interests or discussions, either in person with local people or exclusively online. Remember, do not divulge private information in online groups, and report any suspicious comments, questions or behaviors to the group’s administrator(s).  

Let It Entertain You 

The world is literally at our fingertips. Indeed, online learning and entertainment opportunities are limitless, paving the way to a wealth of information and enjoyment. From movies to games, social media, podcasts, online learning platforms such as MasterClass, Kajabi, Udemy and more, the Internet is a virtual playground of endless interactivity. 

Take full advantage of all the web has to offer but be sure to visit only trustworthy sites. Non-commercial URL’s (web addresses) ending in .edu, .org or .gov are generally reliable, while YouTube, Netflix and Spotify, for example, are ethical entertainment dot coms.  

Tell Me About It 

Alexa, turn up the heat. Siri, call Susan. Voice-activated technology can simplify and enhance life, especially for those with physical or visual impairments. Hands-free smart devices like Amazon Alexa/Echo, Apple Siri or Google Assistant/Home allow users to perform tasks without physically interacting with appliances, HVAC systems, lights, telephones, music players, televisions, etc.  

Voice-activated devices are fun, user-friendly and very obedient. Simply tell them what you want, what you need, and your wish is their command! 

AI: Friend or Foe? 

According to an AARP study, 85% percent of Americans aged 50+ have heard of AI (artificial intelligence). Yet, 60% of this age group are unsure about its impact and only 9% report using generative AI, the kind that creates novel content.  

AI is impressively or distressingly powerful, depending on how you look at it. Let’s examine some of the benefits and drawbacks of AI.  

• Pros of AI 

• • It’s informative and social. Chatbots can answer questions and engage users on virtually any topic imaginable. Discourse with a chatbot is more conversational than encyclopedic, providing a companionable sense of connection with another “being.”  

• • It’s handy and helpful. AI powers voice-activated and speech-to-text smart devices that assist us with several tasks of daily living. 

• • It’s easy to use. For those willing to experiment with AI, it’s a lot less daunting than it may seem. To engage ChatGPT, for example, visit chat.openai.com and register with an email address, Apple, Microsoft or Google account. When you gain access, you can ask anything you wish. Watch what happens – it’s pretty amazing! 
    

• Cons of AI 

• • It isn’t private. Ask ChatGPT if ChatGPT is private, and it will tell you that “Conversations with ChatGPT may be used to improve the model and for research purposes.” So, beware; what happens in bot conversations doesn’t necessarily stay there.  

• • It encourages cheating. In school and work settings, AI makes it all too easy for those inclined to dishonesty to forgo the work of original essays, computer code, graphic designs, etc. Unlike plagiarism that can be detected by specialized software, work created by AI is much harder to root out.  

• • It has the potential to replace humans on the job. While many jobs still require a real human to accomplish work tasks, several career paths are in jeopardy of being supplanted by artificial intelligence.  

This new year, resolve to hone your technology skills and open up your world to endless possibilities! 
 

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