ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

Results tagged “technology” from ShAARP Session

Nov '09 6

Correy Robertson | 1:47 PM | 0 Comments

Have you heard of this innovative device from Intel called Health Guide? Read about it in this article from BusinessWeek. It's a device that was being piloted this year to help in the mission to allow seniors to age in place - where they are most comfortable. The Health Guide is like a remote doctor's office that a patient can handle by themselves. It even includes a video phone for patients to chat with their nurse or doctor when anything seems amiss. Check out the article - could be the future of caregiving!


We also told you about the Wall Street Journal's series "Laid off and Looking" previously; and today's guest blogger on the series is talking about looking for work in your 50s. The blogger talks about how so much experience in your pocket can actually work against you in your job search. Have you been searching fruitlessly for employment and found that age is affecting you? Share your "looking for work" stories here and on WSJ's blog.


Have a great weekend.

Nov '09 4

Correy Robertson | 10:26 AM | 10 Comments

Here is a story from the Wall Street Journal today that discusses the inclusion of a long-term care benefit in the House bill. It's a program that would pay cash to people who become disabled by way of premiums deducted from employee's paychecks - but of course, employees would have the option to opt out of the program. The provision is meant to help with the problem that not many people have long-term care insurance if they need home care or to be in a nursing home. Medicare does not include long-term care benefits.
AARP's John Rother is quoted in the article - he says the long-term care benefit would be "enough to pay for the kind of care most people need."


More Technology News...
We mentioned the article from the New York Times last week about seniors and technology, and on the Times' "Gadgetwise" blog, there was a follow up piece posted yesterday that caught even more technology options that seniors might find useful - including AARP's official cellular service provider, Consumer Cellular, which offers phones designed specifically for older folks - with features like bigger buttons and simpler displays.


Travel Much?
Ever wonder if travel insurance is something in which you should invest? Check out this story from the Chicago Tribune. It gives "seniors on the go" the low-down on the kinds of insurances that are available to them, and what is necessary for different types of trips. One big fact to note: Medicare doesn't cover you outside of the U.S.! Just something to keep in mind. Check out the article for more tips!

Oct '09 29

Correy Robertson | 9:14 AM | 0 Comments

The New York Times has a great piece on its Web site all about seniors and technology. The article was particularly fun for me to read because I still remember when my grandmother - who turns 74 next month! - had a PC before my family even had one, and who has recently mastered the art of text messaging from her cell phone, even if it's the one with "big buttons."


The article covers everything from centenarians using Twitter to video-chatting and the "simple" PC. It is great to learn that folks are taking advantage of all this newfangled technology has to offer, especially as the older we get the more difficult it is to travel and visit loved ones. With iChat, Skype and all the other programs out there, older Americans can see their grandchildren whenever they want from the comfort of their own home. How are you using technology and social networking to keep in touch? And if you aren't - why not!


Another helpful story...
on the New York Times site is one called "Strategies to Help Grandchildren Now, Not Later." With the tough economic climate, more and more grandparents are focusing on helping their adult children and grandchildren financially now, rather than worrying about the size of their inheritance. The article points out, though, that "tax traps await the unwary" and there are several tips for how to avoid those gift taxes while still helping younger generations get by. Check it out.

May '09 22

David Goldstein | 10:49 AM | 0 Comments

threewolf.jpg
For all of the great things the internet has to offer, a completely open forum will always have some vulnerabilities to pranksters looking for a laugh. For one of the most recent examples of high-tech trickery, check out the recent spike in sales of a certain T-shirt featuring three wolves howling at the moon. It might not seem like the height of fashion, but it is currently the hottest selling item on amazon.com.

But why would such a random item rise to such prominence? Well, it's a prank. Multitudes of people have stormed the site with a combination of high ratings for the shirt and hilarious reviews of the product. These people were brought to the shirt by a well known comedy site that thought it would be funny to artificially jack up the sales.

Pranks on the internet aren't limited to clothes however. The state of Nebraska was duped during an online competition for a new license plate design. Also, a recent online poll by Time was fooled with, resulting in a college student beating out famous entrants including President Obama as the most influential person.

This certainly doesn't mean that active participation online should be avoided or a cause for concern. Just be aware that anything online can become a target for an ironic laugh.

Oct '08 8

David Goldstein | 9:38 AM | 1 Comments

Technological advances seem to have no limit these days and this particular device is all about removing limitation. A Japanese company has created a robotic suit with the potential to give the ability to walk and carry things to those who currently can't. The suit reads impulses sent from the brain to operate its mechanical limbs. This machine holds the promise for increased mobility and strength for a host of people from those who have suffered injury to older people who have lost dexterity and strength. The suits are ready to be mass produced in Japan and will be available for monthly rental in Japan and elsewhere. The company has yet to decide on plans to sell the suit in America, but if they do, you can have your very own robotic exoskeleton for the low, low price of just under $60,000.

Have a look:

Pretty impressive, but call me when it can do this:

Jul '08 30

David Goldstein | 10:19 AM | 0 Comments

I've recently posted about the second generation iPhone and all of its high tech gadgetry, but I realize it's not for everyone. Lots of people don't need a phone that can create feature length motion pictures or alter the path of satellites in orbit. What if you just want a basic, easy to understand cell phone with no frills? Here are four simple phones that fit the bill and can give you an easy way to stay in touch without any of the nonsense.

Jul '08 21

David Goldstein | 9:17 AM | 0 Comments

Falls are a serious concern for older Americans. Not only do they pose a risk to many older people who live alone and don't have easy access to assistance, but they also lead to many life threatening injuries. However, a new development in shoe technology, the iShoe, could literally help to keep you on your feet. Sensors in the shoe can actually evaluate how the wearer's weight is distributed and alert the user about imbalances. In the future, the shoe may even be able to automatically compensate for imbalances.

Technology that can help prevent falls is clearly a step in the right direction (no pun intended), but gizmos to keep drivers on the road and help them recognize obstacles in the street would be a welcome advance as well. General Motors is working on just that sort of technology with a smart windshield that can identify the borders of a road in poor visibility and even point out objects in the road. Nice to see GM showing some drive to improve car safety (OK that time the pun was intended).

Jul '08 14

David Goldstein | 9:55 AM | 0 Comments

After reading through today's headlines, I will get this post out to you as quickly as possible. Why am I in such a rush? Well it turns out that older email users, particularly those over 70, don't want to waste time waiting for email responses. More than any group, these older emailers want prompt responses to emails they send out. This group also checks their email as much or more than other age groups. So while some demographics try to pare down their internet usage, older internet surfers are showing no sign of letting up. Sorry, to keep you all waiting!

Jul '08 11

David Goldstein | 9:39 AM | 0 Comments

It's amazing how fast technology progresses, and there's no better symbol of that than the second generation iphone which was recently released by Apple. It's the second generation of the mobile phone sensation. The touch screen and internet access have made the phone a huge hit. Now the phone is twice as fast and half the price.

The iphone isn't the only technology with the potential to bring benefits to your life. While the iphone can bring information literally to your finger tips, the Nintendo Wii can not only help you pass the time, but stay active while doing it.

Jul '08 2

Alejandra Owens | 1:45 PM | 0 Comments

1369475673_2184aab3e0.jpg

Photo from bmcvey on Flickr.com.

We've already discussed how gaming is becoming more popular among adults, and now so is the idea that gaming can help folks get fit.

According to an article in Inland Valley's Daily Bulletin, Nintendo's Wii is getting people up and moving at "senior centers" around the country.

The Wii, "which recreates games like bowling, baseball and tennis on the television screen and gets players mimicking the motion, has resulted in [folks] swinging, throwing and punching their way around the popular senior center." The article goes on to explain the benefits people are reaping from an increase in fun, physical activity and from an increase in social interaction with their peers.

Sounds like a win-win to us.

So who's got next game?