Seniors Embrace Technology and Smartphones

Many younger adults have the impression that people over the age of 65 are clueless and incompetent when it comes to using technology. However, although that may be true for the most elderly seniors, many members of the Baby Boomer generation are either still in the workforce or they have just retired in the past few years.  Consequently, they are more comfortable with modern technology than their children and grandchildren may realize.

As a Baby Boomer myself, nearly everyone I know has a smartphone, a computer, and access to the internet. The majority of my friends are also active on social media, at the very least using Facebook.  In fact, according to surveys, over 80% of Baby Boomers are on at least one form of Social Media, primarily on Facebook. About 13% of Baby Boomers use LinkedIn; 5% use Twitter and 1% use Instagram.  Women tend to post more frequently than men.  Baby Boomers are also more likely than their younger relatives to share political content. *

While Baby Boomers are often lumped in with older seniors in their 80s and 90s by younger generations, it is the Baby Boomer generation which is primarily responsible for the rapid increase in the use of technology by senior citizens. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, smartphone use among Americans over the age of 65 has quadrupled since 201l.  Most of these smartphone users are Baby Boomers, with their numbers growing daily.

Below are some additional interesting statistics about people over the age of 65 and their use of technology.

Senior Citizens over age 65 and the Technology They Use

Remember, the statistics below include all older people, including those in their late 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and those over 100, not just the Baby Boomers, who are currently under 75. As a result, the fact that so many seniors in general are using the internet and smartphones is quite impressive.  These statistics are from the Pew Research Center.

For ALL Seniors over the age of 65:

67% use the internet

51% have home broadband

42% have a smartphone

32% have a tablet (like an iPad)

34% use social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram

AARP Survey of Smartphone Use by All Seniors

AARP has also surveyed their members, and this is what they found:

Of the 42% of people over the age of 65 who own a smartphone, nearly all of them are sophisticated enough to use it for more than just making phone calls.

89% use it to send and receive emails or text messages

77% get traffic information and directions

42% play games on their smartphone

34% watch videos or shows on it

28% use their smartphone to manage their medical care (for example, getting lab results, messaging their doctors, or ordering prescriptions)

Personally, I have noticed that many of the women I know also use their smartphones to take photos and videos, especially of their grandchildren and their trips, and share them with their friends. I rarely attend any casual social function where women are not passing their phones around, showing off their latest family photos!

Seniors Also Use Computers Regularly

According to the same surveys mentioned above, when making a purchase, 79% of senior citizens regularly use a computer; 35% are also comfortable using a cell phone to make purchases.

When looking online for discounts or deals, 61% do their research on a computer; 37% will turn to their smartphone.

When doing their banking or other financial transactions, 79% turn to their computer and 35% are willing to use a smartphone.

Among the people I know, the ability to do online banking from home, transfer money between accounts, and deposit checks electronically has been a tremendous help to people who no longer drive or who just do not want to go out in bad weather.  Shopping online has also made it much easier for seniors to buy gifts, have them wrapped, and mailed directly to family members.  In addition to gifts, some seniors are using their computers and smartphones to order groceries or have meals delivered to their homes. This has greatly benefited seniors who find it difficult to get out and go shopping.

Seniors have a Positive Attitude about Technology

When asked by the Pew Research Center about the effect technology has had on society, 58% believe the effect has been mostly positive, 33% felt the effect has been a mix of good and bad, and only 4% of those over the age of 65 believe that the results have been mostly negative.

Having a positive attitude about technology is important, because it is likely that the ability to use a computer and smartphone will be even more important in the future, when these devices could become the major way most of us contact our doctor, pay our bills, manage our finances, order our medications and groceries, or perform other aspects of daily living.  

Generation X Will be Also Start Retiring in the Coming Decade

Most of the above statistics reflect the impact of  the10,000 Baby Boomers who are reaching age 65 every single day in the United States.  Because of their experiences in the work force, they are bringing their comfort with technology into retirement with them.

Over the next ten years, the Baby Boomers will be followed by Generation X.  This age group was born between 1965 and 1980, which means the oldest of them will begin turning 55 in 2020 and and could start moving into retirement communities, joining the Baby Boomers and older generations in these neighborhoods.   As Generation X ages, the percentage of seniors using the most advanced technology will continue to increase. 

In my own retirement community, I recently overheard two men chatting at the gym, complaining that they didn't like the music and activities offered by the Baby Boomers Club and they thought they should start a Generation X club!   Progress continues to march on!

If you are retired or a Baby Boomer and would like to share your personal experiences with technology, please share them in the comments section below.

If you are interested in learning more about aging, retirement planning, common medical issues as you age, Medicare, Social Security, and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

* Sources for statistics about Social Media usage:   https://medium.com/@LiquidLockMedia/12-outstanding-statistics-on-baby-boomers-and-social-media-2be6c49b5b91  and from:  Pew Research Center as reported by AARP in their publications in 2019.

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Photo credit:  Photo taken by author

Top Retirement Posts in 2019 - Health, Dementia and Money on Minds of Retirees

At the end of each year, we look back at the posts on this retirement blog which received the most interest from readers.  It is always fascinating to see which topics dominated the attention of Baby Boomers and other retirees.  This year, it was very clear that readers were primarily interested in articles dealing with health, healthcare, dementia and money.  The articles listed here were read several times as often as the typical article on this blog in 2019.

Below is a list of the top ten articles of the year, starting with the most popular article at the top.  To read the full articles, simply click on the titles.

The Affordable Care Act 2020 - Are You Eligible for the ACA? - This article received more attention than any other article this year, and five times the number of views of some of the typical post.  Clearly, thousands of readers were interested in learning how to get more information on the Affordable Care Act and find out whether or not they are qualified to get a reduction in health insurance premiums.  Finding affordable healthcare is a very important issue, especially for readers who are approaching retirement, but are not old enough, yet, for Medicare.

Shocking Financial Facts about Retirement - Many people who have not retired yet will be shocked to learn that it is likely they will need to continue to work AFTER retirement, that they will need to save more money before retirement, and that they need to be financially prepared to live another two to three decades.  These are just some of the shocking facts revealed in this article.

The American Blue Zone Lifestyle Could Help You Live a Longer, Happier Life - This article will surprise many readers who believe that the only people who commonly live to be over 100 years old are those who live in faraway, exotic locations.  In fact, a suburb of Los Angeles, California is occupied by a group of people who routinely live long, healthy, active lives well into their 90s and, often, until they are over age 100.  Learn how this community became one of the world's Blue Zones of long life, despite being located on the smoggy, inland side of Los Angeles.

Retired Women: Were You Prepared? What Would You Have Changed? - This article was an opportunity for my female readers to get involved in a project to help researchers who are working on a book designed specifically for women who have not yet retired.  These researchers hope to spare some younger women from the difficulties experienced by women who are already retired.  A number of my readers submitted their experiences, which will eventually be shared in the book these women are writing.

Protect Yourself from the Deadly Flu Virus - Avoid Death from this Serious Disease - During the winter of 2017-2018, approximately 80,000 people in the United States died of the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  More than 12,000 of them were over the age of 65. This year, thousands more have already died of the flu. This article goes into detail about the importance of getting the flu vaccine, as well as other ways to lower your risk of getting the flu.

Marijuana, Brain Health, and Alzheimers Disease - What impact does marijuana use have on your brain?  This article covers the benefits and risks, and they can be quite different for senior citizens and adolescents.  Could marijuana even slow down the development of Alzheimer's Disease?  Perhaps.  Learn more in this interesting article.

Low Investment Costs on Retirement Funds Can Save You Money - This article explains when it is a good idea to hire a financial advisor, and when you can save money by investing your savings directly in a low-cost or no-cost mutual fund, without the services of an advisor.  You should get help when you need it, but why spend money unnecessarily?

Reduce Alzheimers and Other Dementia Risks - You Can Protect Your Brain Health -  Learn about the Four Pillars of Brain Health and how you can easily incorporate them into your lifestyle.  While there is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease or most other forms of dementia, there are lifestyle changes you can make which will reduce your risk.  No one wants to lose their memories as their age, so learn how you can protect your brain.

Responsible Computer Use After Retirement - Safety and Netiquette - If you are retired, are you spending your days sending out annoying emails to everyone on your contact list?  Do you put yourself at risk by failing to protect your privacy?  Learn how to use your computer responsibly, save your friendships, and protect yourself.

Dementia and Alzheimers Disease - Shocking Research from UCI - MIND - Based on a 2019 speech by the chairman of the University of California in Irvine's MIND program, this post goes into detail on the latest research on a wide range of topics related to dementia, including the status of their attempts to find a treatment, the financial impact on families, and the toll it takes on caregivers.  Since nearly every family with older members could eventually be impacted by this heartbreaking disease, this article could prove helpful to many people.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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Photo credit:  Affordable Care Act Website 

Save Money with Free Stuff - 10 Ideas to Help You Out

We all enjoy getting a freebie once in a while.  It is a great way to enjoy our lives while making our money go further. In some cases, getting something for free can even improve our health and the quality of our lives.  Whether we look forward to free stuff simply for entertainment, or whether we seek these benefits in order to maintain our health, there is sure to be something in the list below which will benefit you.

Check out these items and add your own ideas in the comments section.  Then, send this list to anyone you know who might benefit from some free stuff, too!

Free shopping at farmers' markets:  As of 2019, if you are a single person with an income under $23,000, or you live in a two-person household with an income under $31,000 (which applies to many retired couples), you can get free coupons from the federal government which can be used at authorized farm stands and farmers' markets.   Many young couples and retirees qualify for these benefits.  You can get the coupons by logging onto fns.usda.gov.  Click on Programs at the top of the page; then select Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program from the drop-down menu.  While taking advantage of the farmers' market, don't forget to also contact your local food bank for additional food to help you have a balanced diet.  (If you qualify for the farmers' market coupons, you might also talk to the Social Security office or your local Social Services office to see what other programs you may qualify for, such as SNAP food stamps, SSI, or housing vouchers).

Free rewards at franchises:  A number of franchises will give you free treats when you sign up for their rewards program.  You can earn credits towards beverages at Starbucks and other special offers at places like Baskin-Robbins or Golden Spoon.  If you patronize these places anyway, you might as well take advantage of any freebies they offer.

Free Meals for Youngsters in the Family  - Whenever you want to take your children or grandchildren out to eat, you can find a list of places where kids eat free with a paying adult at WalletHacks.com/kids-eat-free.  They have a list of over 100 places, including Carrows, Holiday Inn (while you are staying there), IHOP, Steak 'n Shake, and more.  Some restrictions apply, and many places only have the deal on certain nights of the week.  While you are at it, if you are eligible, never forget to ask for the senior discount when you are eating out.  Many restaurants offer it, but only if you ask.

Free Cancer Screenings - If you are like many people who are not old enough yet for Medicare, you may not have good health insurance.  The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers low income and under-insured women free screenings for breast and cervical cancer.  To find out if you qualify or to locate a provider, go to cdc.gov/cancer.  Then, click on National Programs.

Free Dental Care - Sadly, at this time most Medicare plans and other private insurance plans do not cover dental care.  Some plans may offer a discount, but treatments can still be quite expensive.  If you cannot afford the care you need, go to DentalLifeline.org.  They have a network of dentists who offer donated dental care for the elderly, disabled, medically fragile and other people who cannot afford dental care. The eligibility requirements vary by state.

Free Home Weatherization - Are high utility bills preventing you from being comfortable in your own home?  If you receive SSI or have a low income, you may qualify for the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program which will cover the cost of making your home more energy efficient.  Eligibility varies by state, but if your utility bills are getting you down, see if you qualify at Benefits.gov/benefit/580.  Being able to run your heat and stay comfortable in the winter can be life saving.

Free Credit Monitoring - With identity theft occurring constantly, it is highly likely that almost everyone has had their identity stolen at some point in the past few years.  Credit card companies, insurance companies, department stores and Facebook have all been hacked, and the personal information of hundreds of millions of people has been stolen.  There are several free sites which will monitor your credit score at no cost and let you know if anything changes.  Check out sites like WalletHub.com, CreditSesame.com and CreditKarma.com.  I personally use Credit Karma, and have been very pleased with their service.

Free Legal Services - We all need legal advice from time to time, including people who have questions about their Social Security and Medicare.  If you have legal questions, but do not feel you can afford an attorney, click on ElderCare.acl.gov to locate legal aid in your area.

Free Repair Coaching for small appliances - Do you have a lamp or small appliance that has stopped working, and you really can't afford to replace it?  About once a month, Repair Cafe holds free events to teach you how to fix your own things.  You can find out if there is an event near you at RepairCafe.org/en/visit.  If you can't find an event near you, then go to Fixya.com to get advice from experts on how to fix all kinds of things.  Don't forget to look up YouTube videos, too. Our daughter has learned how to replace the headlights on her car and make other small repairs by watching YouTube. You could save yourself a lot of money by doing a little research.  

All kinds of free stuff - Twice a year, my community has a free goods exchange.  You can bring whatever you want to donate to this exchange and, for five hours, you can take away all the items you would like to have.  Anything left over at the end of the day is hauled off by Goodwill.  My grandkids have gone to the exchange and found little gifts to give their friends, nick-knacks for their rooms, books, CDs, DVDs, and even a couple of jackets. I have often seen electronic equipment, small items of furniture, small appliances, dishes, and more.  It's perfect if you have a young adult in your family who is setting up their first apartment.  If you want to find a similar free goods exchange in your area, go to Freecycle.org.

Finally, if you want to find even more free stuff, you may want to get the book, "How to Get Free Stuff: The Ultimate Guide for Getting Good Things for Free."  (Ad) This paperback book will help you take advantage of even more opportunities.   This is a great way to find free gifts for yourself and others, too!

The bottom line is that you should look for free services and items in your community.  There may be local websites which allow people to list things they are giving away online.  You may be able to pick up free books from a special bin at your neighborhood library, or your local senior center may give away free day-old bakery goods.  Keep your eyes open for ways to make your dollars stretch.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the article:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Pixabay

Prevent Dementia from Head Trauma - Protect Your Brain!

One serious cause of dementia, which is frequently overlooked and can often be avoided, is head trauma.  Although it may already be too late to go back and change things if someone has suffered a past concussion while playing sports or as a result of a car accident, it isn't too late to take measures to avoid future brain damage. Even if you have experienced a concussion in the past, you still need to do everything possible to prevent another one in the future.  The more concussions you have in a lifetime, the higher your risk of dementia caused by brain trauma.

Your first steps in avoiding brain trauma are to get a check-up from your doctor, and then take a close look at your home. Below are the things you need to evaluate in order to lower your risk of falling.  In this way, you can reduce your risk of brain trauma and a major cause of dementia.

Check Your Physical Health

Get your eyes checked - Ignoring vision problems could put you at increased risk of tripping and falling, or banging your head on something you did not see because of limited peripheral vision.

Get treated for episodes of vertigo - Some medications may cause vertigo or dizziness. It can also be caused by vision problems and other health conditions.  Discuss these episodes with your physician, especially if they have caused you to fall or nearly fall.

Ask your doctor about medication related health problems - In addition to vertigo, some medications may cause sleepiness, nausea, sleep walking, sudden drops in blood pressure, muscle weakness, dehydration, and other conditions which could make you more prone to falling.  If a medication is causing uncomfortable side effects, check with your doctor to see if it can be changed.

Take a fall prevention class - Weak muscles and poor balance can often be improved when seniors take classes designed to improve their sense of balance.  People who have strong muscles are also more likely to be able to catch themselves when they stumble, thereby preventing a fall.  Many senior centers and city recreation departments offer these types of classes for senior citizens.  Not only could a class like this prevent brain trauma, it could also protect you from breaking a hip or other bone.

Get regular exercise - In addition to a fall prevention class, it is important that you walk regularly, and get other forms of exercise, including strength and flexibility training. Being strong and flexible will also help you stay on your feet when you trip. Practice lifting your feet a little when you walk.  One cause of tripping is the tendency to barely lift our feet above the surface as we age. This can cause us to trip over even tiny imperfections in a sidewalk or other surface.

Wear the right shoes - If you have neuropathy in your feet, it could lead to a fall. Talk to your doctor about any possible causes or treatments for your neuropathy. Other foot problems, including wearing the wrong shoes, could also cause you problems.  One precaution you can take is to wear suitable shoes which are non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled and lace-up.  Make sure they fully support your feet.

Use recommended walking devices - Whether your physician suggests you use a cane or a walker, it is important to take advantage of these tools.  Many people fall because they are too proud to let others see them use one of these devices.  However, it is better to lose your pride, than fall and damage your brain, hip or other part of your body.

Check Your Home for Hazards

Once you know that you have done as much as possible to maintain your physical health, you then need to make sure your home is safe.  Look around carefully and ask yourself the following questions as you walk around.

Throughout your home - Are the main areas of your home free from extension cords and rugs which could trip you?  Are the rooms well lit?  Is it easy to find the light switch if you enter a room after dark?

Kitchen - Can you reach your dishes and other items you use regularly without standing on a stool? If you ever need to use a stool to stand on, do you have a sturdy one which is safe and solid?

Bedroom -  Are your phone, lamp and alarm clock easy to reach so you do not have to jump out of bed in the dark?  Do you have a nightlight which makes it easier to find your way to the bathroom in the dark?

Bathroom - Does your bathtub or shower have a non-skid surface, or have you added a mat, non-skid decals or abrasive strips so you are less likely to slip in the shower?  Do you have sturdy grab bars in the shower and near the toilet?  Do you have a non-skid bathroom floor which does not get slippery when wet?

Stairs - Do you have light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs? Can you clearly see the outline of the steps so you are less likely to miss one?  Do the stairs have sturdy handrails on each side?  Are the steps in good repair without holes, uneven treads, or loose covering? Do you have access to a chair lift if the stairs become too much for you to handle?

Entrances - Are the entrances to your homes well lit so no one needs to approach in the dark?  You may want to consider having a motion detector attached to the outdoor lights in both the front and back of your home.  The light will come on as soon as someone approaches the door.  This will make it safer for both you and your guests.  In addition, are the stairs and sidewalks approaching your door in good repair, with no uneven surfaces or broken stones?

In Case of a Fall

If, despite your best efforts, you still fall, getting medical attention quickly can help limit the damage you have done.  If you hit your head, do not got to bed without being checked by a doctor first, especially if you are knocked unconscious or you are dizzy or have a headache after the fall.  Have someone drive you to the emergency room or an urgent care center, if there is any risk that you may have a concussion.

Whenever you are home by yourself, it may be wise to constantly carry a cell phone in your pocket during the day, and keep it on your nightstand at night, or you may consider getting a medical alert pendant with fall monitoring. (Ad) These pendants enable you to push a button and be put in touch with an operator who can call a neighbor, a family member, or the paramedics, depending on your need.  Some devices can even automatically detect when you fall and, if you do not get up in a short period of time, it will place a call for you.  A device like this could save your life and should be seriously considered by anyone who lives alone.

If you are interested in learning more about common medical issues as you age, where to retire, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional useful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit: Pixabay.com