Who gets the keys to your digital estate?
You may not own cryptocurrency or run an online business. But if you do almost anything online, you probably have digital assets — electronic records that you own, control or license. Failing to make arrangements for those assets while you’re alive could result in unnecessary costs, stress and heartache to those you leave behind. Online photo and video collections could be lost... READ MORE
Paralyzed man communicates via thought
In a medical first, researchers harnessed the brain waves of a paralyzed man unable to speak — and turned what he intended to say into sentences on a computer screen. The study, reported in July, marks an important step toward one day restoring more natural communication for people who can’t talk because of injury or illness. “Most of us take for granted how easily we... READ MORE
Tech Shorts — August 2021
Continuous blood glucose monitors for diabetics People with diabetes must manage their blood sugar levels around the clock. Rather than pricking their fingers many times a day, some diabetics use continuous glucose monitors to track their blood sugar levels. These monitors have been around since 1991, when the FDA approved the first one for home use. Today, popular monitors include... READ MORE
Tech Shorts — August 2021
Better skin from stem cells? Mesenchymal stem cells (stem cells harvested from adult body fat tissue, bone marrow and other sites) have been found in studies to produce a variety of growth factors and cytokines that can promote wound healing. These properties have led some beauty product manufacturers to include what they call “human stem cell-derived conditioned media” in their... READ MORE
These strategies can thwart online thieves
Whether it’s fake online shopping sites, identity theft or scam artists using phone or email, fraud is on the rise, with a record 1.3 million cases in the first nine months of last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Although anyone can become a victim, FTC data show that consumers age 80 and older are far more likely to be scammed by phone and lose the most money, a... READ MORE
How to learn new technology skills
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good technology classes or online learning resources for inexperienced seniors? I have a computer and a smartphone, but my knowledge and skills are pretty limited. —Tech Challenged Senior Dear Tech Challenged, There are many different technology teaching tools available to older adults that can help you learn new tech skills so you ... READ MORE
The hazards of ‘buy now, pay later’ plans
Once upon a time, it was common practice to walk into a store and put an item on layaway. You’d put down a deposit, make payments over time, and collect your item once you paid it off. But now, a new service has turned layaway on its head. With Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), you don’t have to wait to bring home something you pay for in installments. Instead, a third party offers you a... READ MORE
Headphone use: How loud and how long?
As our society and culture become more connected through technology, the use of headphones has increased. Headphones allow people to enjoy music and have conversations from anywhere at any time. The ease of headphone use and the mobility that they afford cannot be overstated. This is particularly true as our society spends more time with virtual meetings and headphones, as usage... READ MORE
Here are some great ways to get hacked
Hardly a day goes by without a story of a major data breach on a business, government agency or individual. And, like seeing reruns of the same old television series over and over again, I think that most of us grow tired of being lectured for not paying enough attention to computer security. “Lana” felt that way, writing, “I ignored the advice about computer and mobile device... READ MORE
Technology can help find your lost items
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any good devices that help with tracking down misplaced items? My wife misplaces everything, including her car keys, eyeglasses, cell phone, purse and more. —Always Searching Dear Searching, There’s actually a wide variety of tracking devices that can help you and your wife find items that are commonly misplaced. Here are some top options... READ MORE
