{"id":2318,"date":"2023-01-03T18:52:23","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T18:52:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devotedgrandma.com\/?p=2318"},"modified":"2023-01-03T18:52:25","modified_gmt":"2023-01-03T18:52:25","slug":"technology-improves-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devotedgrandma.com\/technology\/technology-improves-life\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Stop Fearing Technology And Use It To Make Life Way Better"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The world is constantly changing. And that can be a very scary thing, especially for an older person such as myself. But even I can admit that the advancement in technology has drastically changed things for the better<\/strong>! If we take the time to learn some of the basics, we will all be better off for it and wonder how we ever got along without these advancements!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, where do we get started when it all seems so very overwhelming? First, try talking to your kids<\/strong> and grandchildren<\/strong>! They grow up with this stuff and probably know everything you need to know. Just understand that even though it all seems like a lot up front, it will all eventually start to click<\/strong> for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the ways technology has made life better? Take a look at my list below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Information Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Laptop,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Long gone are the days of having to go to the library to find information. It’s all at our fingertips now. But<\/em> there’s a lot of misinformation out there on the internet. So how do you know what to believe? Find sources you trust and confirm the info with more than one source. There are lots of established virtual libraries of information out there, and even Google<\/a> does its best to highlight legit websites and filter out the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another good thing about this, is the information is always being updated. Unlike the old Encyclopedia Britannica set we used to have on the shelf that would become dated over time, the latest breakthroughs and revisions are becoming public in real time! We’re better informed than at any point in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improved Communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, we communicated over distance by letter. And then, landline. But now, there are a plethora of ways to communicate with anyone in the world\u2014and in real time! And the internet is to thank for this big-time advancement. Let’s take a look at some of the ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cell phones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Cellphone<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We mentioned landline service, but the invention of the cell has changed talking over the phone in a huge<\/em> way! There’s no longer the need to remember phones numbers, and you free from the restriction of a cord to talk to anyone on the planet (pending cell service plan and roaming services). Most plans today include unlimited talk and text all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico, so no need to keep track of minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need to tell someone something that doesn’t require an immediate response? Or maybe you just don’t have the time for a full phone conversation? Send a text message! The recipient can see it when they have time to look and reply when they aren’t busy. This is becoming the preferred way with over 81% of Americans<\/a> texting regularly, and 33% of American adults would rather text than any other form of communication!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Snail mail is largely a thing of the past when it comes to communication, although it is still nice to receive birthday cards in the mail! But if you just need to catch up with someone or make sure important documents can be received as soon as possible, email is the way to go. Just use your favorite email client (Apple Mail, Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, etc.) on your cell, tablet, or personal computer and send instantly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not only is Facebook used as a social feed to see what our friends and family are up to, it has its own messaging tool called Messenger that allows you to text anyone you’re connected to through Facebook. Messenger can be used in Facebook itself and is also available as a standalone app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FaceTime<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Phone calls aren’t just phone calls anymore. Now, we have video chats that allow us to see each other while talking! Apple’s FaceTime is a big one as lots of people own Apple products, but there are many more. No matter where you are located, it’s that easy to see a friend or loved one in an instant!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better Connectivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to more streamlined communication, the internet has connected us in a way that would’ve been seen as impossible before. This worldwide connectivity provides us an opportunity to better understand one another and different cultures. We can share certain events with the rest of the world in real time. It’s a smaller world than ever!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media has played a huge role in this. And yes, with it has come a lot of negativity. But its ability to bring us all together in times of need and to cultivate mass awareness of certain issues cannot be overstated. World news is now basically local news, and with this we can all grow together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easier Banking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Fifth<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

No more worrying about getting to the bank before they close or needing to ask a banker to see what’s going on in your account. Nearly all banks, even smaller local ones, have apps nowadays that you can download to have 24\/7 access and insight into your finances. Track your deposits, transfer money between different accounts, and even scan checks with the camera on your phone to make deposits. It’s really that easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easier Shopping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Amazon.com<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While online shopping has hurt many brick-and-mortar, family-owned businesses, there are some positives. For instance, you can search online for something then head to the nearest store and show them exactly what you need. Some of these local shops are more than happy to price match in order to have your business! At times, a store’s inventory can be seen online before you head out in the elements for potentially nothing. And with advertising, we have the chance to learn about more stores and restaurants in our areas that we may have never heard about!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to buy something online, odds are you will find it somewhere! And typically, you can get some pretty fast shipping times anymore; Especially if you have something like Amazon Prime<\/a>. You can also set reminders, have orders scheduled to arrive at certain times, and set up easy returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home Safety Features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As referred to here, the word “smart” simply means that the product is connected to your home internet and can be controlled via any compatible device. Some of these appliances can even learn your schedule and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smart Thermostats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Nest<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There’s a wide variety of these available now, including thermostats from Nest and Honeywell, that allow you to connect via app to have better control and more efficiently run your A\/C\/heat furnace potentially saving you some money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can set schedules to say, have it cooler at night while you’re sleeping or turn down the air conditioning while you’re not home throughout the week. Set it, forget it, and save! Feel a little cold while sitting on the couch? Just open the app and adjust the temp from your phone. These are truly a game-changer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smart Smoke Detectors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Nest<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Smart smoke\/carbon monoxide detectors not only allow online functionality with an app, but they can work together with smart thermostats of the same brand to control your furnace’s fans in case of fire to help reduce the spread. Pretty smart, indeed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indoor\/Outdoor Cameras<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Nest<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s easier than ever to set up cameras around the home thanks to the internet. Strategically place them (or have the grandkids do it!), connect them to the WiFi, and now you have your own home surveillance system! I like to use my living room camera to check in on the dog and cat while I’m away to give me peace that they’re doing alright. You can even talk to them through the camera to tell them you’ll be home soon! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doorbell Cameras<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Replace your old normal doorbell with one that has a built-in camera! This works the same way as your indoor\/outdoor cameras by connecting to your WiFi, and it allows you to catch people at the door when you’re not home and even talk to them! Video history gives you added security, and you can even set it up to enable people to leave you a message on it like an answering machine! They can also alert you to any motion detected outside your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smart Plugs & Outlets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Smart plugs and outlets give internet connectivity to any device you plug into them. For example, plug that old lamp of yours into a smart outlet and you can now turn it on or off from your phone wherever you are! Forgot to turn the light off before leaving? No problem! Want to wake up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee filling the house? Put the coffee pot on a timer to start at the same time each morning!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Pro Tip:<\/strong><\/mark><\/em> Try to buy all of these smart home products from the same company for a more streamlined setup. One app to control them all!<\/em>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flexible Schedules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to the internet, many jobs and schooling can now be done from the comforts of home. This is especially helpful for seniors who may be looking to supplement their income<\/a> with some part time work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many can now work full time from home, or even a few times per week to save on the commute. Also, side jobs that can be done on your own schedule such as selling crafts on Etsy, becoming a dog walker, and freelance writing. Depending on what and how much you want to do, there are so many options. And more opportunities are available every day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthcare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As with online banking, we now have 24\/7 access to our healthcare and the monitoring of our wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n