How Can Technology Assist Seniors in Travel

Technology has advanced so much in the last decade, therefore it is a PERFECT time to be a senior traveling. Retain your independence and don’t be left behind.

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I am going to list the technology that has really assisted me prior to my traveling and while I do travel. Also, I am going to try and use as little jargon as is used in the computer world, as I know, this terminology is enough to make any senior get a brain freeze!

For seniors, technology can be extremely frightening and if you are not familiar with the technology, the fear of using it can even stop you from traveling. The longer you leave it, the more you will feel left behind. Learn to understand the words (without getting too technical), and the benefits. In my next article, Best Apps to Download, I will assist you in how to use them – step by step! You can do this! Just breathe and let us go through it slowly!

• wi-fi
• iCloud
• desk computer
• laptop
• iPad or other Tablets
• mobile phone
• kindle
• earplugs for mobile phones

What is Wi-Fi and why do you need it

You will connect to the Wi-Fi from whatever device you are using. Before you can do anything you need Wi-Fi. This allows your computer, tablet, cell phone, kindle, or whatever gadget you have to connect to the internet at a high speed. You do not need a physical gadget to connect you. Therefore it is wireless connectivity.

Wi-Fi internet access gives you freedom! From social isolation, keeping you in touch with family and friends, watching YouTube, and movies, researching where you would like to go on holiday, directions when you are traveling, Facetime with grandkids and so much more. It is a necessity in the world we live in today.

You will first need to connect with an internet provider at home. To do this, I suggest you rent or buy a modem and router all in one.

A network is a group of more than one computer system. At home, you will be connecting your desktop computer, cell phone, laptop, etc to that network.

A modem is a box. This box connects your home network to the wider internet.

A router is also a box that allows your wireless devices to use that internet connection.

Whatever device you have or purchase must be able to get Wi-Fi. The older devices do not have this facility.

Explaining iCloud

iCloud was started in October 2011 by Apple. You do not need an Apple device to make use of this facility. You can store all your information and data on this cloud. Such as documents, pictures, letters, audible, books, notes, movies, music, and whatever you need to store.

This enables you to access your information when you need it anywhere else in the world. This is also fabulous when you travel. Your information can also be shared between all your devices. If you need information and you only have your cell phone with you, you can go into your “cloud” and retrieve this information.

To me, this has been the most wonderful invention as I take plenty of photographs and do many designs. By storing all of this on the cloud not my computer or phone, my devices do not get full quickly and last for ages.

Even if my computer gets a dreaded “blue” screen, and gives the signs of collapsing, I know my information is safe.

I do have an Apple and a Windows 10 computer and iCloud is fabulous with both. I use Google Chrome for all my daily work and Google email.

What desk computer is best for seniors

Why it is perfect for us seniors to use a desktop?

• they are easier to use
• you can leave it plugged in all the time
• the sound from the computer is clearer
• we like to see clearly and the screen is larger
• the keyboard letters are larger and easy to see
• generally, most seniors have worked on a desktop before therefore are happier working on them

Understanding certain TERMS relating to a computer

When I hear certain words that relate to computers I am inclined to just “block” myself from that conversation. I know numerous wiser generation friends who do exactly the same. I also make excuses to myself and say “I was doing fine for the last 20 years without all this jargon and understanding of technology, therefore do I really want all this stress now? I will just ask my sons to assist me.” Well, this was just an inner fear I had and with my sons continuously saying to me, “Mom, Google it!”, I decided to take the bull by the horns and actually do something about it. Initially, I struggled to overcome my own fears, believing and convincing myself I would actually blow my computer up; which of course did not happen. I do believe it is a universal mindset amongst us seniors, so do not feel alone! We will assist each other, become technologically independent and explore, plan and travel the world!

Processors

This is the living body of the computer. Quite simply it processors what you do. For example, if I am doing housework and doing it slowly, it is not going to get done rapidly, but if I apply myself and work faster, it will get done quickly and I will have more time to do other things. So which processor do you want? The faster one or the slower one?

Hard Drive

A Hard Drive is rather like a cupboard. The larger the cupboard the more clothes you can store. You have numerous YouTube videos, movies, pictures, documents and a great deal more you will be doing on your computer over the next 10 or more years. So which Hard Drive do you want? The one that can store more of course.

RAM and Data

Get as much RAM as you can afford! 4GB RAM will perform much slower than 8GB RAM. 8GB RAM is slower than 12 GB RAM. You should be fine with 8GB RAM. A good analogy is if RAM is like my office desk counter. I (processor) do all my work on my desk (RAM), with my pens, pencils, calculator, and paper (data) which I need to get from my stationary cupboard (hard drive). If I have a lot of space on the desk counter, I can work on preparing more things at once.

So your mission is to get a computer where all the above are included. Now you also know that the salesperson will not be taking you for a ride. You do have a bit of understanding. Do not let them confuse you with all their additional jargon. Ask questions!

Suggested senior desktop computer – all in one

Even though you may have worked on computers previously, modern advancements in technology may cause a bit of confusion.

Dell Inspiron 3671 Intel Core i5 Desktop PC

I like Dell computers. They are high-Quality and parts are always available. I used to be an HP fan, but Dell has now won my loyalty. This computer is cost-effective. It has a 500GB hard drive, 8GB RAM, and an Intel i3 processor. The screen is huge 24″ and what I like about the screen, is that the resolution is great! Comes with a clear easy-to-see keyboard and mouse. Also has USB ports if you need them. Windows 10 is included.

What advantages does a laptop have over a desktop?

Personally, I love a laptop and now very seldomly use my desktop. This is a computer that is smaller in size and can go on your lap. When I travel, I can take my laptop with me in my backpack. Today, these laptops are so light and easy to carry. I love to work in beautiful surroundings, at a coffee shop, overlooking a magnificent view. It is so inspiring!

I can link up to the Wi-Fi at the restaurant or hotel where I am staying. The laptops have cameras so I can go on Skype or Google Meet and chat with my family or business associates. The sound is good. I use my earplugs when I am in a crowded space. The resolution on the screen is super, letters on the keyboard are very clear.

In my hotel room or wherever I am staying I can watch a movie on YouTube. What more does a senior need in life?

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 PC Laptop

Lovely laptop and I do so enjoy it! This is the one I have and it is truly tried and tested! Not overly complicated! I am still a simple girl by heart! Amazon prices are reasonable and they are very reliable.

The screen is smaller than my desktop, and I need to wear my reading glasses while I work on the laptop, but you do not want to go for a bigger laptop. This size is practical for traveling!

Suggested Laptop protection while traveling

A laptop bag is imperative for the protection of your laptop. When I travel, I generally use a backpack that accommodates my laptop, chargers, iPad, and the essentials I need on the plane, train, or bus. On shorter journeys, I just take my laptop bag. The strap that goes over my shoulder is comfortable and does not curl over time. I have suggested a selection. Make sure the size of the bag matches the size of your laptop.

Backpacks are useful so your laptop and tablet can fit in, with other necessities. When you are having a lengthy vacation, you want to sling it onto your back with ease and walk with your other luggage and when you are a tourist around a city, it can go onto your back with comfort.

I would advise an Anti-theft Backpack with an inbuilt USB port for charging your phone. It does not matter where you are in the world, you will find the pickpocket enthusiast, and being a senior, we are the softer target. I also like my backpack to be water-resistant, especially if I am caught in a downpour. I know my devices will be safe. The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is my favorite!

Tablet or iPad a must for traveling pleasure

Pure bliss! Often when I go away and do not have to do any major business or in turn, go to business meetings, I take my iPad. I have an iPad with a pen, so can take notes from the meeting. I can pull it out at any airport, restaurant, or at my accommodation. Quick to turn on and easy to put away when finished.

Also, I love to write poetry, record things I need to remember for my trip, special memories, and places I visit or write in my diary, or just doodle! I have downloaded some doodle apps for this pleasure.

When I need to browse the web for information I need on destinations, it is there! Sending photos home from my adventures (many taken with my iPad), chatting to my grandkids on Facetime, and sharing my destinations with family and friends. I also have downloaded games, which I play on airplanes or watch movies when I retire in the evening!

Instead of the kindle, to read my favorite book, I now use my iPad tablet, so I no longer need to take my kindle on journeys.

They are mobile phones but larger. At the same time, they are a computer. Tablets also are able to link up to the internet via Wi-Fi and you can do Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Facetime, watch movies and many other wonderful things. Also, you can do Google searches, send emails, and do bookings! These apps I will chat about in my next blog, so do not worry now about the terminology.

Smartphones today can do everything that an iPad or tablet can do, but the larger size of the tablet is far better for a senior as we can see the screen more easily. The keyboard which appears on the screen when you type is also far more visible than a smartphone. I don’t want to continuously put my glasses on when someone is messaging me on Whatsapp, or when I am trying to find an email address. On the tablet, everything is clearly visible.

Today younger people make an excuse and say we are part of the older generation and therefore do not need a tablet. This is nonsense! Once you get used to the convenience of touch engagement on the screen, it will change your life. We have a whole lot of delightful living still to do!

The suggested tablets for seniors

Tablet usage amongst seniors has increased over the last few years, so manufacturers are going out of their way to cater to the needs of seniors.

Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Space Gray (Latest Model)

Fabulous! This iPad which you can order directly from Amazon, I would say is your best choice. It is light and easy to hold, yet the visibility is clear. It can connect to Wi-Fi and has a camera and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

The battery life is up to 10 hours. Battery life is vital to tablets as you will be taking them everywhere with you. If you would like more technical lingo, go to the page and read more. I also have my iPad linked to my phone and computer, so whatever device I am using, I do not need to use each one separately.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

They say once you are a Samsung lover, that is it, you will never change! This tablet is slightly larger than the Apple iPad I mentioned before and is cheaper than the iPad. Fully Compatible with all GSM carriers. It does not have as much memory as the iPad, but that is also why the iPad is more expensive. Have a look at all the specs, and you know what your budget is.

Covers for your tablet or iPad

Amazon has some lovely cases for your Mini iPad or tablet. The colors are just up my street too. I recommend the INVELLOP iPad Mini case. Perfect for standing your iPad up and all the relevant holes are open. It has a pleasant feel to it too. The price I also find the attractive.

A casing for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is personal. I recommend one that is softer, easier, and simpler. Soke Galaxy Tab A 10.1 Case 2019 provides the protection you need and can be placed at the perfect angle that you need for usage. It also comes in numerous varieties of colors, which adds to its appeal. My personal preference is Sky Blue, but I am sure they will have your choice of taste.

A good question to ask yourself is what phone do you have? Match the make of your mobile phone to your iPad.

Best Cell phones for Seniors Traveling

Android or iPhone? This is the question. I have to be careful of giving you my subjective opinion, as I love my iPhone. Once you know how to use it, it is wonderful and relates so well to my iPad and computer. What is advised is that seniors prefer Android phones. I know many friends of mine, who love their android phones and do not like the iPhone.

When you are traveling, make sure you know which countries you are visiting and work on which network. The USA is now on 5G, but some countries are staying still on 2G. The phone you purchase must be able to work on both.

As you get older and disabled large-button phones with SOS buttons and mobile facilities specifically for the disabled are wise to purchase. Some examples of these are  BLU Advance 5.2,  Oukitel C12 ,  Jitterbug Smart2 No-Contract Easy-to-Use 5.5-inch Smartphone, Moto G6, and Blackview BV5500 GSM IP68 . These are all great with the senior’s disabilities kept in mind.

As I am a senior, but still healthy, wear glasses to read, hearing is not bad and still full of adventure, I personally prefer other phones. When I start getting immobile I most certainly will consider these.

Do you know what “Factory Unlocked” means?

This just means that your phone can be used for any cell phone network and uses a sim card.

A SIM card is a little card that goes inside your phone. I think this is the easiest description. “A SIM card is otherwise known as a subscriber identity module and is used in smartphones globally. It is a smart card that stores data for subscribers of GSM cellular phones. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile communication and is a digital mobile network that is commonly used in Europe, Asia, Africa, and most of the rest of the world. The U.S. is one exception and uses both GSM and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).”

Recommended Mobile phones for seniors who like to travel

Samsung Galaxy S10+ Factory Unlocked Android Cell Phone

This phone comes in 4 different colors, black, white, blue, and pink. I like the idea of having a pink phone! The memory storage is 128GB which is a pleasant size. The display screen is super, 6.1 inches or 15,494 cm. One distinct characteristic of Samsung phones is the super camera, both for still photos and videos.

An important factor if you are traveling. The sound is also clear. The battery charges quickly and will last all day. This phone is slim, light, and easy to carry around. You can share with 5 other compatible devices. Yes if I was to choose an android phone, this is one I most certainly would use.

iPhone XR

This phone is an Apple phone. Once you get used to an iPhone it is challenging to use anything else. I am an iPhone fan!

I have suggested this phone as it features a larger display, great for seniors, the color choice is super as it is made from aluminum, not stainless steel, and the cost is not as high as the other iPhones.

The XR has a marvellous camera, both for photos and videos. It also is wireless and you can record your voice with Siri. This is terrific for your own reminders or sending voice messages. It also has Face recognition and the best, a built-in GPS/GNSS. Vital for finding your way on your adventures.

Very important is how fast it charges. This is imperative when you are traveling. You can charge from the adapter or plugging into your laptop or desktop.

Have a look at the wonderful Accessibility that the iPhone has. These are the perfect phone moving forward for years to come.

There are many built-in Apps that the iPhone XR has. Their technical specifications are really well laid out, but I am only stating the areas which I am sure you are most interested in and have taken the below information from their Technical Specifications.

As described by Wikipedia: – “A mobile application, also referred to as a mobile app or simply an app, is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch.“

Built-in Apps

Some of these will be discussed in my other Blog “Äpps for Seniors to download before Traveling“, in greater detail.

• Camera
• Photos
• Health
• Messages
• Phone
• FaceTime
• Mail
• Music
• Wallet
• Safari
• Maps
• Siri
• Calendar
• iTunes Store
• App Store
• Notes
• News
• Contacts
• Books
• Home
• Weather
• Reminders
• Clock
• TV
• Stocks
• Calculator
• Voice Memos
• Compass
• Podcasts
• Watch
• Tips
• Find My
• Settings
• Files
• Measure
• Shortcuts

Free Apps from Apple

Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie, GarageBand, iTunes U, Clips, and Apple Store app are preinstalled.

• iMovie
• Pages
• Numbers
• Keynote
• iTunes U
• GarageBand
• Apple Store
• Trailers
• Apple TV Remote
• iTunes Remote
• Music Memos
• Clips
• Support

Covers & cases for mobile phone

What I would suggest is the Mpow Waterproof case. On vacation, you never know when you may drop your phone into the water. Your phone won’t get scratched or dirty wherever your journeys may take you.

There is such a large range of cases and covers, but having one is a must. I have a clear screen over my phone’s face and a cover that covers the back and front of my phone. This has saved my phone many times while traveling. Have a look at the variety.

Kindle

If you have a smartphone or tablet, it is preferable to download the free Kindle app. Do you love reading, whether books, newspapers, or magazines?

Yes, you will love the Kindle app! No more carrying books in suitcases or backpacks. If you have your iPad or tablet, even your phone, you can download your readable desires. I do not see the purpose personally of carrying another device when I am traveling, but who am I to argue?

Friends of mine who do have the Kindle device, treasure it and they say they can cut themselves off from all worldly things and take their Kindle out to relax, with no interruptions. I think this is a very personal choice. As you have to pay for the books you purchase at a bookstore, you need to purchase the books you download on a Kindle or a Kindle app.

Although there are many free books or books on sale you can get when you have a Kindle app.

Earbuds Headset Wired Earphones

One thing I have learned while traveling is not to have bulky items! Earphones you have to have as you want to delight in listening to music, stories, and books, chatting to others without an audience hearing everything you have to say, and be able to have visual meetings with the family that are private and can be done in any cafe or restaurant. You also want to communicate on your tablet or laptop.

I find the Earbuds Headset Wired Earphones Headphone with Microphone and Volume Control, for my iPhone absolutely fantastic. The audio is superb, sits in the ear easily and when I speak, my audience hears me clearly. These pack so easily into my backpack.

Samsung/apple Earbuds Wired with Microphone and Volume Control can be used on both Samsung, other android phones, and iPhones.

What Email address to use

Most importantly, use an email address that you can remember. Don’t forget this. In my blog apps for Seniors to Download before Traveling, I have chatted about a method to remember all your Passwords.

If you do not have an email address of your own, and you are not a business, I suggest using Gmail as Google blocks spam before it gets to your Inbox. Also, Gmail is free.

There are millions of email addresses with people who have the same name as you, but since this is for personal use, don’t concern yourself over it. Yours will probably be – your first name then the second name then a few numbers after that. For example [email protected].

I would also suggest downloading Google Chrome to your device. It is simple and easy to use and is very fast.

“Whenever a new technology is introduced into society, there must be a counterbalancing human response – that is, high touch – or the technology is rejected… We must learn to balance the material wonders of technology with the spiritual demands of our human nature.”

John Naisbitt