By Jean Stratton

Texting, tweeting, posting, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat, Skype, GPS, Siri, Uber, Lyft, and so much more!

Sound familiar? Of course! This is the language of today. It’s quick, convenient, and ubiquitous.

It offers opportunities unimagined even a decade ago. And the speed at which all this can change is not only amazing, but disconcerting for some.

For individuals of a certain age, who were not exposed to this technology during their childhoods, navigating its mysteries can be challenging.

To help, the Princeton Senior Resource Center (PSRC) is offering “Bringing The World To You Through Technology” as the topic of this year’s fall conference. Scheduled for Friday, November 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., it will provide 11 workshops focusing on various aspects of the digital world and the impact it has on everyone’s life today.

Since 2005, PSRC has offered an annual Fall Conference to inform the community about an important issue related to aging, explains PSRC Executive Director Susan W. Hoskins, LCSW.

Many Tools

“This year, we return to the topic of technology, which is evolving so rapidly few of us can keep up. But digital technology also has the potential to transform aging, including how we connect with health resources and our families, live independently longer, keep our minds engaged, and use devices to help with every aspect of daily life.

“Our goal is to help you learn about these technologies and overcome your hesitation so that you can implement these tools in your life. We are not the ‘digital natives’ that our children and grandchildren are, so our presenters will help you explore some of the many tools that are available, many at little or no cost, once you have the basics of a computer device and Internet connection.

“It’s a big part of life today, but a lot of people don’t know how to get their feet wet, and we want to help them get started. As a resource center, it is our responsibility to learn about what is out there and make it available to our community. A lot of our focus in on people living on their own. There are so many things in technology that can make their lives easier in big or small ways.”

As the conference gets underway, Hoskins will lead a live interview panel, including interviews with several of the workshop presenters, all of whom are experts in their particular field.

Lunch will be offered at a break during the workshops, and a resource fair is also scheduled, with representatives from a variety of organizations ready to share information. Lunch is sponsored by Brandywine Senior Living and Princeton Care Center.

The workshops will focus on useful information to help participants become more comfortable with the available technology and learn about the latest applications and systems most important for their needs.

Around Town

Transportation is the target of the first workshop. Today, Uber and Lyft can help expedite travel for people, whether just to get around town or for longer distances. These services can mean a great deal for someone who is older and not comfortable driving at night.

Also, adds Hoskins, “there is Go Go Grandparent, a service that will set up a ride for people who don’t have a smartphone to schedule the ride themselves. For example, just say you need to be at McCarter Theatre at 8 p.m., leave for home at 10:30, and they will arrange the ride.”

Transportation options at the workshop will also explore how to use technology to find and catch the right bus or train.

A second workshop will investigate “Streaming Services: How to Get Entertainment in Your House, Including Movies, Audio, Netflix, Hulu, Roku, and Apple TV.” It will offer an introduction to streaming, with examples of video and audio streaming devices and services, and how get them to your home.

The third workshop is “Digital Library Services” including e-books, audio books, movies, language learning, research resources, library apps, and more. This workshop will explore emerging trends in library services in the 21st century.

“Making the Most of Your Cell Phone” is the focus of the fourth workshop. This will provide information on the many options one’s smartphone offers today. It’s a lot more than just a phone! As Hoskins points out, “It can help keep you safe, give you travel (even walking) directions, get you help when you need it, take pictures, and provide fun and information.”

“Video Chat”

If you’d like to interact with family and friends who are located far away, it can be possible with a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. “Video Chat and Live Video Phone Calls: Stay Connected with Family and Friends” will introduce and demonstrate Skype and FaceTime, two simple to use and free software programs which enable participants to make video calls.

Order groceries, meals, healthcare supplies, and other essentials online and have them delivered to your door. Online ordering and home delivery can save you time and make it easy to find the items that are not readily available in local stores. The “Delivery Services” workshop will offer an introduction to how and where to shop online.

“Medical Portals, Medical Information, Health Monitoring” is another important workshop. This can provide information on how to use devices at home to monitor health, manage medications, communicate with healthcare providers, and both store and access healthcare information. In addition, it will help you learn how to identify good information from bad.

As Hoskins points out, “The new technology for medical services, including portals, can help patients see all their medical information in one place. This is also helpful to medical professionals. For example, those in ER will be able to see the patient’s medical history all in one place.”

“Home Safety, Technology, and Aging in Place” will give an overview of practical solutions to everyday challenges individuals encounter as they seek to remain safe and independent in their own environment. High tech and low tech options will be discussed and explored. Pros and cons of the many technological products for personal use or for use in the home will be reviewed.

Participants at the conference who are caring for a family member struggling with problems associated with dementia will find the workshop on “Tools For Dementia Care-tracking and Safety” helpful and informative. Areas covered include Music and Memory, Photos, Alzheimer’s Navigator, ALZConnected, Community Resource Finder, Trial Match, Care Zone, Journaling, GPS, Medic Alert, and the Safe Return program.

“Security” and “Search”

“Internet Security” and “Search: How To Make the Most of the Internet” are workshops that will provide information on the most effective ways to keep information secure and also how to search for articles, images, and news, and how to interpret search results.

Susan Hoskins is looking forward to an exciting event, noting that in past years 110 to 150 people have attended the conference. “There are so many technologies out there now that we want to be up to date with it. It comes so quickly and changes so quickly. It is really life-transforming, and it offers resources that can enhance life at any age.”

She points out that PSRC also offers computer classes and labs throughout the year. “We have three computer labs each week where people can bring any device and get help. We have a series of courses available, including basic computer skills, digital philosophy, and how to use an iPad.

“Technology can help reduce risk and enhance the quality of life. It is a way to be engaged. Isn’t it great to have an online conversation, to be able to send an email late at night and then get a response in the morning? it is such a big part of life today!”

To pre-register for the Fall Conference, email PSRC at  princetonsenior.org or call (609) 924-7108. A $5 donation is suggested.