Retire but keep up with technology
Don’t drop off the radar
Just because you retire doesn’t mean you need to let technology slide. It is so important nowadays to keep using your mobile, laptop, desktop, or tablet.
Important so you can pay your bills, keep in touch with family and search the internet.
The internet is a bottomless pit of fun. You could watch 100 cat videos online every day and still never run out of hilarious feline hijinks.
Do you know there are even internet apps that let you do jigsaws online? How great is it that you don’t need to take up the whole dining room table waiting for it to be finished!
There are some great ideas you can implement with your technology, for example, why not start a blog? Write about your adventures and musings in retirement and see how many other retirees you connect to who are living similar experiences all over New Zealand – and the world.
You could start writing that book you have talked about for so long or why not start a family tree, genealogy can be so interesting.
You could even start a YouTube channel or get into social media and join in on the TikTok and Instagram crazes.
Then there are smart watches, smart televisions, and smart speakers. The list is endless if you love technology. And once you have mastered these, there will always be someone who needs a hand with theirs!
Learn a new skill
Technology opens a world of opportunities when it comes to learning a new skill.
You can watch YouTube videos on how to repair something, or you could learn a new language, so you are all ready for that overseas holiday.
Why not teach yourself how to play the guitar or a piano or even the flute.
New to technology
If you are retiring and have been in a job that has involved little or no technology but now have the time to learn, there are a variety of community learning networks that will be able to support and assist you to confidently use technology.
A lot of these classes are run by volunteers and often classes are free of charge.
Health and technology
Technology can greatly benefit older people, making it convenient and safe to connect with healthcare professionals and have virtual visits from the comfort of your own homes.
Booking appointments and organising prescription repeats can be done with a click of a button.
Don’t give up!
Although all this technology can look daunting, for those who persevere, the rewards can be so fulfilling, completing tasks more easily, communicating more effectively, increased independence and a sense of achievement.