connecting online
Best practices for positive online experiences
Dealing with “spam” or unsolicited email can be challenging. It’s pretty common to be plagued by junk email. Simply getting these messages isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it can be annoying. In some cases they can be from companies you’ve interacted with in the past and, if they are legitimate companies, there is probably a link to a page where you can safely ask to be removed from their list. But if they are truly “spammers,” they won’t stop, even if you ask them to. The best thing to do is make sure you’re using whatever spam filter is provided by your email service. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited email, as there is a chance they could link to sites designed to scam people or infect computers with malicious software.
Spotting Fake News
Whether or not the concept of fake news is new, consuming information especially now requires having a toolbox of skills. It can be especially helpful to use a series of questions that can assist in evaluating new information. When working to determine whether something is real, ask yourself:
Who wrote the information?
What credentials does the article’s author have?
Is the information up-to-date?
Is the website reputable?
Are they trying to sell you a product?
Is a company or organization sponsoring the website?
Does the website support alternate or differing views of the topic being discussed?
Smartphones
My father acquired his first smartphone just before he turned 90. With some help, he was happy to follow friends on Facebook, read emails, and follow his grandkids. Facetime or messaging is a way to stay connected. Here are some helpful resources and tips for navigating your first smartphone.
I am sharing a tutorial from Geeks On Tour, from a cute senior couple teaching others to be tech friendly. This episode 66 is called “How Do I Learn Smartphone Basics?” Check this out and other tutorials at Geeks On Tour.
online entertainment
Kanopy app (movies & documentaries)
Enjoy thoughtful entertainment, free from Kanopy, if sponsored by your local public library or university library. Kanopy partners with public libraries and universities to bring you ad-free films and series that can be enjoyed on your TV, mobile phone, tablet and online.
Personally, I love this because I am a fan of foreign films, documentaries, and art house films. You are allowed 10 titles (or series) each month for free. This includes art lessons, history lessons, and a few Master Classes. Go find your library card or register for one, and grab your popcorn, a friend and enjoy.
libby App (e-reader books & audiobooks)
Borrow and read ebooks and audiobooks from your local public library for free! Trusted by millions of library patrons across North America and around the world.
Download the iPhone or iPad App or for your Android. You can also go to the online platform by selecting the button below. Go find your library card and enjoy a good book. Librarians suggest current or seasonal favorites. Audiobooks are great to listen to while doing other projects around the house. If not available now, place a hold and you will get notified when it’s available. 3 week loans.
Listening to Podcasts
Podcasts are usually audio content by producers, large and small. The topics are wide ranging and can be searched (e.g. iTunes Podcasts), and you can read reviews or sample them. If you like the show, you can subscribe to be notified of new episodes. Podcasts can be short-form news summaries, or on a specific topic or hobby; it can also be long-form, providing greater depth and personal stories. Each has their own tastes, but the suggested podcasts below are generally informative but presented in a friendlier, peaceful, and balanced tone. You can listen to these from your computer or smartphone, and some directly from their website. Explore and enjoy.
online commerce
VENMO App
Often, one adult sibling shoulders the responsibility and cost of elderly parental care. By making Venmo available to our clients we hope to bridge that payment gap. Venmo is a simple way to share the cost of purchasing products and services to help make your parent’s life safer and affordable. Free with many payment methods.
When you send money using your Venmo balance, bank account, debit card or prepaid card, Venmo waives fees so it’s free. Our standard 3% fee applies to credit cards. Receiving money and making purchases in other apps is always free.
Pay family and friends with Venmo accounts using a phone number or email. If they don’t have a Venmo account, they’ll just need to create one. Find friends automatically by syncing your Facebook or phone contacts. Pay friends and family with a Venmo account using money you have in Venmo, or link your bank account or debit card quickly.
Senior Planet (for further technology learning)
We’re a distinctive, diverse collection of people aged 60 and older who are busy changing the way we age by embracing opportunities to reshape our lives, connect with and help one another, and change the world for the better —all while learning, growing, and having fun! Senior Planet harnesses technology to change the way we age. Our courses, programs, and activities help seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends.
Senior Planet is about much more than just the latest gadgets and apps and websites. Those gadgets and apps and websites are just means to an end: enabling older adults and people of all ages to come together and find ways to learn, work, create, and thrive in today’s digital age.
For those who wish to help seniors with technology
This is not for seniors, rather a sensitivity training for youth who would like to provide assistance to seniors to be more technology-friendly with smartphones. Worth watching.