The Fear Factor
Much of what older adults know about technology is based on fear: fear of identity theft, fear of scams and fear of the unknown.
The Aug. 1 Geauga Senior Technology Expo took aim at those fears. At the end of the day, many of the 130+ in attendance had a better understanding of social media, online shopping, telemedicine and other elements of technology.
Folks like Lee Anderson of Chardon liked what they learned. “I know enough to be dangerous but I’m tired of always asking for help. The online shopping, I think maybe I might try it.”
Embracing the Digital Age
The Geauga Technology Expo at the West Geauga Senior Center in Chesterland brought together an impressive lineup of speakers and tech support people for a day-long dive into technology and the role it can play in the lives of older adults. The event was spearheaded by Joshua Wallace of Ohman Family Living along with Dawn Damante of UH Geauga Medical Center, Sandy McLeod of the Geauga County Department of Aging, and Brad Mitchell of Boomer & Beyond magazine.
Sponsors of the event were Case Western Reserve University, Siegal Lifelong Learning Program, Clear Captions, Kent State Geauga, Geauga Department on Aging, Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond magazine, Geauga West Library, Ohman Family Living, Silver Sneakers GO, UH TeleMedicine, My UHCare-Personal Health Record and Well Said.
Recent retiree Lori Adler came in from Mentor for the expo. She left with lots of knowledge. “There’s so much that I didn’t know and you get so frustrated with. I think now that I have a little more time I want to learn how to stream (entertainment) from home, but I’m also intimidated by it and sometimes angered by it.”
The Experts Speak
Jared Bendis is creative new media officer of digital learning and scholarship at Case Western Reserve University. He told the audience that mastering — or feeling comfortable with technology — is no different than the many skills older adults have mastered throughout their lives. And for those who reject technology because they want to “stay off the grid,” he had news for them: they’re already on the grid, regardless of how little they think they use technology.
Bendis said if someone is curious about social media — Facebook, Instagram and others — then they can join them and just listen and watch rather than post photos or comment on what they see. Jumping headlong into social media with both feet is like jumping into the deep end of a swimming pool without first testing the water. Wade in gingerly at first; acclimate and adjust; then go in deeper when you’re comfortable.
Online shopping is another example. Try online browsing at first to compare prices, to see what’s in stock at your local store, and to read reviews. Bendis’ advice? Consider the reviews with a critical eye and discern if the problem was legitimate, frivolous or manufactured.
Other speakers such as Jim Evans from Well Said discussed the value of voice-enabled technology like Alexa. One example: use voice command apps for exercising and memory exercises.
Representatives from University Hospitals explained telemedicine and brought a UH doctor into the seminar via a computer link. Some physical appointments such as for minor ailments like eye infections, rashes and fevers can be diagnosed through video streaming, are convenient for the patient and with a relatively nominal cost.
Other topics covered were apps for better aging that can track physical fitness and other elements of good health and why most tech devices such as smart phones and tablets need replaced every three years to keep up with technology. This planned obsolescence can be tough for seniors to embrace, but it’s a cost of being part of the tech world.
Ultimately, we’re all part of this Digital Age, so we might as well embrace the best it has to offer. “We all learn differently as we age. Repetition is the key. Write things down. Take upcoming classes (such as the ones offered at the senior center),” McLeod says.
Or as Bendis says, “Nothing is new. What it is is new to you.”
Photo caption: Visitors at the Tech Expo visit the Boomer & Beyond vendor table to learn from Editor Marie Elium about the magazine and its related resources and services.
