TO IGNORE OR NOT TO IGNORE IS THE QUESTION
Deciding to retire gives you the freedom to slow down, step back, and – if you choose – stop trying to keep up with the latest gadgets and apps. After all, isn’t that what kids and grandkids are for?
But is that really a wise move? Technology touches almost every part of modern life – from managing your health and finances, to keeping in touch with family and friends. And while the pace of change can feel relentless, could some of these tools actually help us to make the most of this new and exciting chapter?
This isn’t my area of expertise, so I decided to ask Paul.
Meet paul
Paul is a Cyber Resilience Expert, author of ‘How to Survive the Internet’ and you may have seen him on TV (Hunted – UK version) or heard him on the radio. (He is also a good friend of mine.)
QUESTION TIME WITH PAUL
1. WHY DOES TECHNOLOGY MATTER?
We don’t always notice it, but technology is designed to improve lives — to keep us connected and, increasingly, to keep us safer. Used well, it can reduce isolation and give us greater independence.
2. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO MAKING THE MOST OF TECHNOLOGY & HOW DO WE OVERCOME IT?
The biggest obstacle is knowing what is available to us and how it benefits us. I’d also say that some people think that technology is expensive – while this can be true, there are often free versions of some of the best tools. For example, Google Translate is a free app that can be useful if you are struggling to hear speech – just set both languages to English and record the person speaking.
If you want to know what is available to us – and potentially how it can make life better for us – then ask your friends and family what they use, or search for podcasts or TV programmes.
And, as for the best way to learn, try YouTube for videos and ask the family.
3. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE ‘MUST HAVES’ & ‘NICE TO HAVES’?
You really need a smart phone (but it doesn’t have to be the latest version) and some sort of laptop/tablet (maybe a Chromebook if you’re not that into technology).
‘Nice to haves’ – something like a Ring Doorbell (to see who is at the door), Amazon Echo – or similar – to make it easy to listen to music, write shopping lists and call emergency contacts, and AirTags (or similar) – makes finding things so much easier.
Again, take advice from friends and family – and look at reviews – to try and gauge whether a device will be useful for you.
4. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN HOW TO USE THE TECHNOLOGY?
As well as using your social network, look at YouTube clips, sign up for a few courses (online or face-to-face at your local centre) – there are lots of free sessions available.
5. WHAT ABOUT USING AI?
AI can be really helpful — but always apply common sense and double-check important information.
Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, NotebookLM, Claude and Microsoft Copilot can:
- Summarise books, documents and conversations
- Research topics quickly
- Help draft emails or letters
- Generate images
- Organise ideas
Two notes of caution:
If uploading sensitive documents (medical, financial etc.), use a paid version for added protection.
If asked whether your data can be used for training, only answer ‘Yes’ if there is a very good reason.
6. WHAT FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS SHOULD WE KEEP AN EYE OPEN FOR?
There are lots of developments taking place but the most useful ones to look out for are:
- Voice activated note taking
- Basic robot assistants – for cutting lawns & cleaning the house
- Medical apps and devices – for continual monitoring of your health
All of the above exist today – but the applications will become more varied and cheaper over time – and will help us to make the most of this stage of our lives.
7. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER FOR SECURITY & PRIVACY?
You won’t be surprised about any of these but – for me –
a) Passwords – Don’t have the same password for everything. Use a password manager.
b) Authentication – If available, use two-factor authentication for everything.
c) AI – It’s good but don’t believe everything that it tells you.
d) Scams – If in doubt — pause. Scammers rely on urgency. (There are free online resources – offering advice on how to protect yourself against financial fraud – in most countries. Examples being https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/ in UK, fbi.gov/takeabeat in USA, standagainstscams.ca in Canada & scamwatch.gov.au in Australia.)
8. WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE DO/THINK ABOUT?
- No one is ever too old to learn about/use new technology – it’s only the effort that seems to be too much.
- Don’t forget that you can set your devices to use large font (making it easier to read messages etc.).
- If you’re going to use just one app, choose WhatsApp – it allows you to easily communicate with friends and family for free. If you are particularly concerned about privacy, use Signal instead – it’s seen as the ‘gold standard’ as far a privacy is concerned. But remember everyone you want to chat to has to use the same app.
Summary
You certainly can ignore IT and new technology if you wish – it’s your choice (after all, it may remind you too much of work). BUT you might be ignoring tools that will make things easier, life more comfortable, keep you more connected to friends and family, and help you make the most of this stage of life.
Ask your friends and family to suggest apps and IT you should try – and, importantly, let them help you to set it up (or try YouTube for guidance).
PERSONAL DISCLOSURE
I’m part technology lover and part technophobe.
Our TV has three remote controls which must be used in sequence. I don’t find this intuitive, so I either watch TV with my wife — or use my iPad instead.
I love WhatsApp, find AI really useful – for certain things, and like digging into new technology.
Pet hate – technology that doesn’t work intuitively!
What’s one piece of technology you now couldn’t live without?
And what’s one that still frustrates you?
rookieretiree@btinternet.com
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GENERAL UPDATES
More opportunities and new experiences keep popping up, and I keep saying ‘Yes’. Recent ones include:
- Part-Time Work: For the first quarter of this year I’m working at a lot of trade shows. I get to meet lots of new people and we – my wife and I – try and explore the area where we’re staying during the show. New people + new places = more fun.
- Rookie Retiree – On The Road: Rookie Retiree is gaining some attention. DECADES, a travel firm who specialise in ‘gap years for retirees’, sees retirement in a similar way to Rookie Retiree, so I’m now writing a travel version of my posts – same subject, different slant – for them. Please see link below:
LINK: Rookie Retiree – On The Road
The world is full of opportunity!
Have a question?
Leave it in the comments or email me directly:
| rookieretiree@btinternet.com |
Future Blog Contents
In next month’s blog we tackle some myths about retirement.
Every chapter of the Rookie Retiree Journal explores a different side of life after full-time work — from personal stories to health, purpose and travel.
Want to explore a little further?
👉 New here? Start with the WELCOME PAGE
👉 Looking for something else? View the full CONTENTS PAGE
👉 Read related items on this topic here:
- FOUNDATION & STRUCTURE
- THINGS THAT NO ONE EVER TELLS YOU ABOUT RETIREMENT
- STAYING CONNECTED
- SOCIAL CONNECTIONS – WHO STAYS, WHO DRIFTS
Until next time.
Regards
Phil Marsh is the creator of Rookie Retiree, exploring life after work — the choices, challenges and possibilities that come with the luxury of choice.
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