Why Boomers and Seniors are Embracing Technology
Contrary to common belief, Baby Boomers, born between 1946-1964, as well as seniors are embracing technology. As a technology adviser and trainer, the one expression I hear more than any other is “Technology helps me live a fuller life.” As long as it is kept simple, they are always looking for technology to help them discover new ways to enhance their lives. Below is a list of some of their favorite pastimes.
1. Video conferencing – Whether it’s Skype or I-Chat (on Macs), keeping up with parents, children and grandchildren has been the biggest incentive for elders to embrace technology. Weekly video visits has strengthened ties between generations. How about some of your friends in different continents? And for FREE!
2. Sharing photos and videos – Can’t attend a graduation, wedding, or birth of a new grandchild? These precious memories can be sent to you as the event is occurring.
3. Want to contact someone who is not available by phone? Text messages are received instantaneously. All you need is your cell phone.
4. Social networking sites have permitted boomers and seniors to reconnect with long lost acquaintances. Signing up for Facebook will insure that you will be up to date with your grandchildrens’ activities and see the latest pictures.
5. Eyesight failing? Electronic reading devices (kindles, iPads, etc,) will let you enlarge print and to listen to the audio of your favorite books, magazines, and newspapers.
6. Want to watch Charlie Rose anytime? Visit his website for past shows.
7. Looking for a new job or volunteer work? Instead of wading through the classified, try searching online.
8. Widows and widowers are flocking to online dating services. Gone are the days when the only way you could meet someone was at a bar, social function, or through an introduction.
9. No need to stand on line at the bank. Elders prefer online banking to pay bills and check balances.
10. Tracking your portfolio – No need to call your broker. All your financial information is available online.
The list is endless. However, whether it is researching exotic travel locations, looking to buy a new car, checking movie reviews and times, seniors and boomers have more spending power than any other generation and are more than willing to spend it on new technology as long as it is simple, requiring little maintenance.
Click below to listen to my BlogTalkRadio program on What Boomers and Seniors Need to Know.
8 Reasons Why It’s Time to Get a Tablet
Tablets have received more attention in the past year than any other technology product. Their popularity has been so great that many traditional computer manufacturers are scrambling to adjust to this change in demand.
Why are tablets so popular? Here are just some of the main reasons.
1. Portability – Smaller and lighter than a laptop
2. Ease of Use – One touch away from your favorite news services, stock reports, restaurant reviews, movie schedule, etc.
3. Immediate Start-up – Much faster than waiting for your computer to “load up.”
4. Video chatting – Keeping in touch with family, friends, and business associates.
5. Reading books
6. Online media – Music, movies, and TV
7. Maintenance free – Tablets don’t crash
8. Affordability – Less expensive than most laptops
Has Your E-Mail Been Hacked?
Are your friends complaining about random e-mails from you containing only a link or asking for money since you have been stranded on some remote island? If so, chances are that your e-mail program has been “hacked,” meaning that someone has accessed your contact list and sent messages to everyone on your list. Here are some simple rules to follow to minimize the risk that this will happen to you.
1. If you have been hacked, change your password immediately. Don’t use simple passwords such as birthdays, phone numbers or family names. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
2, Change your password frequently; monthly, if you are using AOL
3. Do not use the same password for your e-mail program, online banking, or shopping sites like Amazon, Ebay, etc.
4. When accessing the Internet on the road, be sure that the wi-fi location is secured. Places like hotels, parks, and coffee shops like Starbucks, are not secured since everyone has access to their networks. You do not want to enter passwords, credit card info, or other personal information in a non-secured area, since you are using a public access point.
5. If you are using a Windows computer, make sure you have installed both an anti-virus and malware program and that they have been updated.
If you any questions about “hacking” or other maintenance issues, feel free to contact me either by phone at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com/bluetutorold.
Want to Control Your International Telephone Costs?
Planning a business or pleasure trip overseas? Do you have a child studying abroad? Keeping in touch while traveling to other countries can be very costly. Fortunately, there are many Internet based programs that have reduced the costs of communicating substantially, and in many cases, for free, depending on the country.
If you own a smartphone, (iPhone, Android, or Blackberry) free calls are a snap. No need to worry about placing calls for as much as $3 to $4 PER MINUTE.
While there are many services available, I suggest you look at Viber, MagicJack, and Skype. All three have the ability to communicate for free from anywhere you can access the Internet through a wireless connection.
Many of you already are familiar with Skype which offers free video chatting with a computer, tablet, and a smartphone from a wireless connection. Using Skype on your smartphone or tablet from an area without a wireless connection is not free and the costs will depend on your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) and the country who are in.
Viber offers free telephone calls and text messaging from smartphone to smartphone from a wireless area. Both you and the person you are calling need to have the app installed on your smartphone. The app is free.
MagicJack is a matchbook size device with a USB plug that is plugged into your laptop computer. The price of the MagicJack is $39.95 and the annual cost is under $20. It can be bought either at their website or at any electronics store (Best Buy, etc.). When you register, you select a local US number (where you live) and all calls, placed or received through the MagicJack, from a wireless area, are free.
There are a host of services available, however I am able to communicate with friends, family and business associates in other countries on a regular basis for FREE.
If you would like to discuss any of these services in greater detail, or if you have any other questions regarding how to control your international communication costs, I can be reached at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com
To listen to my latest BlogTalkRadio Program, “How to Control Your International Calling Costs,” click on the site below.
2013 – The Year of Mobile Technology
Do you have the right tools to operate in the new mobile world?
Over 85% of the world population now owns a mobile phone. In the United States, there are more mobile phones than people. In 2012, over 60% of mobile phones purchased in the US were smartphones.
Do you own a smartphone? Are you considering an upgrade? Which phone is right for you, an iPhone, Android, or Blackberry? Over 25% of households in the US have a tablet. Should you have one?
If you want to make sure you are ready to be a true road warrior, give me call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com/bluetutorold.
To listen to my most recent BlogTalkRadio program about the mobile world in 2013, click below.