Stay Connected with these Tech Savvy Tips

Nowadays, people aren’t always close in distance to their loved ones. People move for various reasons, whether it be for a job, school, or once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Regardless of where your friends and loved ones are located, there are still options for you to stay in touch. Keep reading for tips, tools, and ways to make sure you still see their bright smiles and hear about all of their adventures.

Not sure if you’re ready to take the dive into the technology world? Don’t worry, I’ll share some ideas with you and explain why it’s not as scary as you think. Before you know it, you’ll be tech savvy too!

How Technology Helps Us Stay Connected

We live in a digital world. The benefits of technology are becoming more essential to daily life. How can you use this to your advantage? Hop on the bandwagon and give it a try – it’s the simplest way to experience the ease of digital. Yes, just try something. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some applications to use that will help you stay in touch with your loved ones.

Video Messaging

A popular application you can download on your computer, tablet, or smart phone is Skype. Staying connected is easier than ever with regular catch-ups on this free platform. With features like group video and voice calling, instant messaging, and screen sharing, it’s one of the ways to keep your conversations face-to-face.

Email

Email is a great way of getting information to others quickly and easily. Send messages to your loved ones with the touch of a button. It keeps you up to date no matter where you are in the world. Simply compose your message, select your recipients, and send. If you don’t have an email address, you can create one for free through some of the most popular email services like Gmail, Yahoo, or iCloud mail.

Social Media

Forbes reported the 74-plus and older demographic is the fastest growing demographic among social networks. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are among the social networks gaining followers.

No matter your age, all of these ways of communicating are great means to stay in touch. The best part? They are available anytime, anywhere for your convenience. If you find the prospect of sitting in front of a computer scary or intimidating, try a smart phone. They can be touch screen, hand held, and simple to use. 

Tips and Tools for Communicating

According to AARP, “the top four online activities for people over 60 are Google, Facebook, Yahoo and YouTube.” How can you use these resources to their fullest potential? Follow these simple tips below and you’ll be well on your way.

Consistency

The more you use the technology, the easier it will become. It’s just like anything that you try for the first time. Just keep at it and before you know it, you’ll be tech savvy and teaching others your tricks.

Keep it Simple

Don’t over complicate things. Messages can be short and sweet. What matters is that you are saying what you want to say. Just be yourself and your loved ones will feel your genuine attempts and appreciate your efforts.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the websites available. By saving or bookmarking your favorite websites, you’ll be able to keep going back to them easily. Lots of sites provide same or similar information, so it’s easy for you to expand your horizons without feeling like you need to know it all.

Ask Questions

While you are learning the ins and outs, don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way. It will take a few times of trying, but you will get the hang of it. Keep surfing the web, sending emails, or tweeting your heart out.

Technology Opportunities at Walker Methodist

We provide computers for our Residents to use at our communities so they can stay connected. The Wi-Fi signal at Walker Methodist is always strong, so you can be sure that you and your visitors will always have access to an internet connection. Our Music & Memory program is another technology we’ve integrated, loading iPod Shuffles with custom music playlists. And, as always, our friendly staff is close by to assist with any questions you may have. 

We acknowledge the way technology allows all of us to advance and encourage use wherever and whenever possible. Connection ties back to our Mission, Vision, and Values, Life. And all of the living that goes with it. Enhancing the lives of older adults through a culture of care, respect, and service.