By Angela Jorge
There are many pros and cons of technology in the 21st century. Many senior citizens enjoy technology to help them stay connected with family and friends, and others take advantage of it to help them learn a new skill. In contrast, the same seniors can say that technology today has ruined face-to-face communication and doing things the old-fashioned way.
Technology can range from the internet, computers, cell phones, tablets, or other digital gadgets. Whether you have enjoyed the advancement of technology over the years or not, there are five reasons tech can be great in retirement. Keep reading to find out how technology can improve your Golden Years!
#1 Obtain a new skill
There are many benefits to learning a new skill in retirement. For example, learning a new skill can improve your overall brain health and help you overcome challenges, such as problem-solving. Senior citizens often find themselves with too much free time in retirement, so they take advantage of that time by learning a new skill.
Using technology in retirement can give you access to many learning tools. For instance, you can sign up for an online baking class, watch YouTube videos on how to start and maintain a garden, or you can learn from an expert on how to become an artist. The technology we have today allows you to obtain a new skill in retirement, no matter where you are.
#2 Stay Connected
Social media is an easy way to stay connected with family and friends virtually. The first social media account was launched in 1997, and the social media realm has evolved drastically since then. There are multiple social media platforms available online, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Most social media platforms allow you to share photos, videos, status updates, and more.
Many seniors enjoy looking at their old classmates’ photos and seeing what their family is up to daily! Most social platforms allow you to message someone privately, which will enable them to have constant communication with others. Today’s technology has helped senior citizens stay connected more with their peers now than ever before.
#3 Create a side hustle
Being a senior in retirement means you are no longer working, which means you likely don’t have a primary source of income coming in monthly. Before you retire, it’s recommended to have a hefty amount of money put away in savings to help support you in the years to come. However, seniors often find themselves with not enough money or spend way more than they expected.
Utilizing technology in retirement can open up opportunities for side hustles, meaning you can work from home and don’t have to commit to a full-time job like before. A few side hustles seniors enjoy in retirement are freelance writing, tutoring, or selling their crafts online. If you have a passion or hobby you think can bring in some additional income, take advantage of your technological resources.
#4 Learn about Medicare
It’s common for senior citizens to be confused and overwhelmed by Medicare. Luckily, with today’s technology, you can have easy access to free Medicare resources. There are Medicare webinars, mini-courses, and many videos and articles out there you can learn from.
You can purchase many Medicare books for cheap with a Kindle, which is a device you can buy books on and read them wherever you are. A Kindle device also has a web browser, so you can look up any Medicare questions you have while reading your Medicare book.
#5 Track your health
Maintaining good health in retirement is crucial if you want to live out a long, healthy retirement. If you are a senior beginning a fitness journey or are already on one, you can use technology to help track your health. Many gadgets such as a Fitbit or an Apple watch will show you how many steps you have walked, your heart rate, your sleep pattern, and much more. Using this type of technology can help you stay on track to meet your weekly goals and potentially motivate you to do better next week.
Summary
The technology we have access to today has certainly evolved since the first telephone and television. Tech can be great in retirement, and these are only five reasons how it can help benefit you and your day-to-day life.
