Technology

Although we get instant gratification from current communication methods like texting and instant messaging, some Boomers and older adults may actually yearn for those days when letter writing offered a dash of romanticism. Remember waiting for the mailman to arrive to see if he had a letter for you? ...

Do you remember where you were when we landed on the moon? Like other historic milestones, the moon landing is etched in our memories - at least for those of us old enough to remember that hot summer night in Northeast Ohio. There's probably not a better place around to mark the event than at the Great Lakes Science Center with a real-life astronaut and scientists from the NASA Glenn Research Center. ...

Chromebooks, which look like a laptop, and Chromeboxes, which resemble desktop computers, may be appropriate options for many who use a computer mostly for email and web surfing. Misconceptions regarding Chromebooks are rampant due to their widespread use in schools, but they’ve evolved nicely for personal and professional use and are budget friendly. ...

You can store documents, spreadsheets and anything else you create securely in the cloud. Only you can open this virtual file cabinet using your credentials (your email address and password). ...

Social media is so ingrained in our culture that it’s easy to forget it hasn’t been around that long. But more research is emerging about how our social media behaviors could be measured against standards for addiction. ...

A year for your beloved pup is equivalent of a human body maturing 7 years. Dogs’ accelerated maturity life cycle has a parallel in how things mature in the digital world.

Considering the speed in which technology matures, where our lives increasingly revolve around its innovations, there is a pronounced sense of urgency for collaboration. Brain trusts from companies, nonprofits, government, and the public need to collaborate on innovative ways to help our elders: our parents, extended family, and friends.

As we welcome 2019, Tech Talk starts out “unplugged” – an issue relevant to Boomers, seniors, and their sons and daughters alike. The latter demographic, readers of our sister publication Northeast Ohio Parent, perhaps, are vested and well-positioned to secure the wellbeing of Boomers and seniors. Just like Boomers were the innovators of the 20th century, sons and daughters of Boomers are now the instigators and innovators of the 21st century. They possess the ability to influence, aka shape, the competitive markets, translating to increased affordability and accessibility so no one is left behind.

Additionally, philanthropy in traditional disciplines continues to be augmented by digital world-borne tools and ideas. Those sons and daughters who understand the digital world’s prominence in the real and digital worlds we live in, are now in the decision-making roles to maximize the efficacy of philanthropic efforts. In short, sons and daughters can instill meaningful change for our society.

According to its fact sheet, the White House’s Conference on Aging is “the best-known White House conference.” Great, we already have a platform for collaboration and brainstorming. But wait, it only happens every 10 years? I’m sure readers see the challenge as it relates to the digital world where technology-based innovative ideas originate and mature with head-turning speed.

If you Google the factsheet from 2015, Uber is listed under the section titled “Using Technology to Help Older Americans.”

...

Have you heard? Apple has announced the top podcasts for 2018 and one had a Cleveland connection. Were any on your list? What are you listening to and why? ...

Our tech columnist is also co-founder of a free series of classes aimed at helping people 60 and older become comfortable with technology. Check out The Center for Aging in the Digital World's upcoming fundraiser. ...