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Your New Retirement Lifestyle - Using the Tools of Technology (Part 1)

During our retirement years, a very important consideration for all of us is how we can make life more accommodating. Clearly, using technology can help. That is; the tools of technology can and will accommodate your planned lifestyle in ways that reduce time consuming activities and allow you to focus your efforts on what you really want to do.
At the same time, you will have the world at your fingertips. These tools are a means to an end! If you need to spend excessive amounts of time figuring out how to use the technology, then what is the point?
I'm reasonably certain that you have some understanding of the benefits of technology.
You go online to bank, invest, find volunteer opportunities, participate in interest groups, and perhaps even start up something new for fun or profit. In my many years of experience as a technology facilitator for a public school district, I learned that there are few things in life that tools of technology cannot help you with.
If you need help understanding and utilizing the tools of technology and you have Internet access, there are extensive resources available to you. For example, Generations on Line states that their mission is to "promote technology to enhance the quality of life of older people." They attempt to reach out to older Americans who do not enroll in any computer or Internet training. They provide specially programmed software to senior centers, public libraries, and other locations where seniors meet. There is no cost to elders. All of the software is available online. Seniornet has an all inclusive technology link that include a wealth of information on tutorials, tips, and demonstrations. The American Association of Retired Persons offers convenient and easy to understand online assistance via their Learntech link. There is help with scanners, MP3 players, working with surge protectors, and even advice on how to play video games. I've recently noticed that they are offering tech advice on how to buy an HDTV. If you reside in a community with an active adult education program, there is always that possibility that you can enroll in an evening course. In my second book, entitled Technology & Your Retirement Lifestyle: Tools For the New You, I discuss in detail a variety of these tools including Bluetooth technology, PDA, GPS systems, and webcams.
The following examples illustrate ways the tools of technology can be of use to you.
MEETING PEOPLE AND CYBERDATING
With the evolution of the Web 2.0, it has become easier to meet new friends and yes, even to develop a romantic relationship through Cyberdating. The social networking websites that we have been discussing have opened new doors for many people. It is easy to develop new relationships based on common interests.
Eharmony - Dr. Warren, a well-known author and clinical psychologist, founded this site in 2000. Its success is based on matching compatible singles supported by its new service that helps couples achieve stronger, healthier marriages. Their marriage wellness program is supposed to encourage marriages to flourish by building a deepened sense of understanding, appreciation, and connectedness.
Match.com - The goal of the site is very plain: " to take the lottery out of love." Instead of leaving the process totally to chance, the site allows members to take control of their own romantic destiny. The site boasts twenty million members. They have created a great many tools to make it easier for you to narrow your search utilizing every possible criterion. MatchWords supposedly assist you in finding someone that shares your common interests. These key words create a portrait of you that is shared with others. For example, popular match words for men include movies, walking, running, music and black hair. Popular words for women include reading, travel, honest, swimming, and family. Apparently, match.com must be pretty successful as more than 400,000 people made romantic acquaintances during 2006.
VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING
The word virtual means doing something in almost every respect. In this case, the one aspect missing is volunteering while not being there. Tasks are completed via a home or work computer. Virtual volunteering can really also be referred to as online volunteering, online mentoring, or teletutoring. Of course, in to do this you'll need to be somewhat skilled in using your computer and navigating around the Internet. Volunteer agencies can expand the benefits of their programs by allowing a greater number of volunteers to participate. Additionally, new areas of volunteerism can more easily be created with the increase in staff. Potential volunteers will find it easier to search for opportunities. If you have time constraints, or if you are experiencing physical limitations, or if you have obligations at home that prevent you from leaving the premises, then virtual volunteering may be for you. There are many schools or government agencies that utilize these services if that is your preference. So, depending on your expertise, you may fit right in. And, as I indicated earlier, you can do this from any location whether it be home, office, or from the comfort of your RV.
In my next article we will explore additional ways that the tools of technology can be useful to you during your retirement years.
Jeffrey Webber is the author of three books. The first is entitled The New Professional Person's Retirement Lifestyle. The second is Technology & Your Retirement Lifestyle: Tools For The New You. The most recent book is RVing & Your Retirement Lifestyle: A Cost Effective Way to Live Your Dreams
Mr. Webber was a public school educator for thirty-three years.
Also, he has traveled extensively around the world and is a veteran of RV travel throughout the U.S. He is an avid hobbyist, classical musician, dancer, and is devoted to the cultural arts. Additionally, he volunteers extensively for Heifer International, and maintains a fervent devotion to physical fitness activities.

Comments

  1. This is right that we found now more styli shed life with technology . Those makes our life so more easy and enjoyable. So get better tips from here it will be so more well education from you.

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