I am once again Reimagining my own life. I have done it many times before. So I am not waiting for “it” to happen in the future. The future is NOW as far as I am concerned. And after stopping in briefly to Lifestyle @50 last October in Atlanta, I have decided to travel to Boston May 8-11th where it will take place again. I have already started talking to my grandson on Facetime. But I am wondering, what your thoughts are on how to talk to your parents in 5 years.
I am traveling with a friend who has almost mastered use of his cell phone but still struggles with sending messages and attaching photos for business and enjoyment. He, along with tons of other people 50+, needs to be able to do this for his work. I am sure that if he knew more, he’d do more. So I am looking forward to making sure he goes to the AARP-TEK Pavilion for workshops. I am expecting that he will get hands-on training on using laptop computers, iPadsTM and other hand-held devices. The best thing is he will not have to worry about feeling stupid about asking any questions.
We, the 50+ market represent some $17 trillion in wealth, say AARP statistics. AARP is beginning to think ahead to not only what the world will look in 2050 years but also to the people 45+ who will be dealing with this market. And how to talk to your parents in 5 years is a question most of this group need to thing about today.
I have never attended one of these AARP TEK Community Workshops. But the idea is a great strategy for lifelong learning. These are hands-on classes on both tablets and smartphones. The goal is to teach students how to use technology so that they will be better able to remain connected to family, friends, information but most important to a better life.
You may have encountered resistance with some of your friends who claim to not have time for Facebook, or Twitter or the internet at all. Yet I think we are all being driven to an online life. “Looking ahead,” says the material I was give by Jen Reeves of AARP-TEK, “a host of tech-related products and services will make it easier for the United States’ aging population to live independently with accessible health care, appropriate supports (such as groceries and medicines) and personal connections. Acquainting more people 50+ with the wide range of tech-related options can help foster independence, dignity and purpose for this population.”
I consider myself an online granny. I try to make calls to my grandson at least once a week. I am convinced that at 6 months he recognized me in real life (IRL) when I went to visit because we had a weekly Facetime together. With health care changing I feel this more strongly. My private internist closed her practice six months ago because she was unwilling to buy into the online medical system most doctors are being forced to implement to receive insurance reimbursements. And after listening to findings presented at PSFK on health about how patients will be required to track and monitor our own medical conditions, my mind goes to the EZ Pass highway systems. You don’t have to have an EZ Pass in New Jersey. But if you are not electronically tied to the highway system, you a) pay more to go through tolls, and b) you wait in lines because you do not agree to be systematically tracked.There is a correlation, I think, between the EZ Pass and the online world in other aspects of our lives.
AARP-Tek is here to the rescue and what you can get for free:
· Think of AARP TEK as tech with a personal touch.
· Delivering hands-on educational workshops customized for the 50+, in 7 cities that started in April 2014.
· Workshops are expected to reach as many as 15,000 plus during 2014
· One-on-one training and simply-worded instructions will help people 50+ feel comfortable with computer technology and be safe online.
· Information provided by AARP TEK will also help those who are already tech-savvy to help others — such as parents or grandparents — learn how to use technology.
Martina says
Thanks for the heads up regarding future conferences. Will definitely share with my friends…My work forces me to be computer literate. A few big healthcare systems like Johns Hopkins here in Baltimore and VA hospitals across the country have had computerized medical records for more than 20 years. I will never forget the doctor at the VA in 2003 who lost his job because of his inability to grasp the concept and use the EMR. In the early 90’s when I opened a private practice in Las Vegas companies were offering to setup computers in your office but with a fat price tag. I remembered how as teenager I would go to the beauty schools to get my hair done..so I thought that has to be a few broke computer geeks at UNLV who can set my system up..they were wonderful and very affordable…I’ll never forget those students. I am afraid to not be able to understand what is going on around me…so I’m struggling to learn all that I can! I get easily distracted so texting for me has been a great invention…and with these post menopausal mood swings I may not want to talk on the phone.
Patricia A Patton says
I am totally with you Martina. I am afraid Not to be able to understand what is going on around me. One day I was thinking whether a time would come when I wouldn’t feel it mattered. I was unable to write that post however. I think it sort of frightened me. Appreciate you.
Frances says
My brother and I are 9 years apart so that makes him 40 something. He use to text me and I just would dial the doggone number back without a 2nd tought. He told my husband, “I’m going to keep texting her so that she gets some practice in. I’m not going to give in to her contrary ways”. LOL Great post Pat.
Patricia A Patton says
This absolutely cracks me up. But there is a lot of intelligence there. Sometimes I pick up the phone after texting back and forth. I realize it might be easier to take a 5 minute call. But texting does have its advantages.
Sylvia Lewis says
Love this post. We seniors have our own social media style. My 80+ friend sends messages all in the subject line of email. My 90+ friend is a wiz on his blackberry! I hope more young people will share with us.
Patricia A Patton says
I laughed out loud when I read your response on facebook. Because it is all relative right. I am think ing maybe I should talk more to people who need to talk to us since there are more of them on social media.
PammyPam says
If you want to communicat with your kids nieces nephews and grands you have to keep up with technology. Your younguns want to share with you but on their terms. Meet them or lose them.
Patricia A Patton says
I know Pam. I am meeting!! Thanks for your comment.