Blog

By: Tanya Kramer

It was not that long ago that we did not have cell phones, no one had an email address, and the internet was just a dream in someone’s brain.

For those that may not remember or were not even born yet, the internet was “born” on January 1, 1983.

The birth of email is a bit more involved. Technically it started in 1969 when the US Department of Defense started connecting its computers and using a messaging process. 

I can say from my own experience, email started to feel like a real thing around 1994.  

You might be surprised (at least I was) that the first video game was invented in 1958.  It was a simple tennis game similar to the 1970’s favorite Pong. 

But here we are with computers in our pocket, including as many games as we can make time for, and various messaging platforms which provide the ability for others to reach us literally 24/7. 

There are benefits that come with this technology, but there is also harm if we are not careful.

Here are some simple red flags that demonstrate you might have crossed the gray line between using this technology in a healthy way or resulting in using it to a degree that might be harming you.

• Feel stressed when you can’t find your phone.
• Check your phone every few minutes.
• Feel depressed, lonely, or angry after spending time on social media or the internet.
• Preoccupied with responses on social media.
• Feeling distracted by your phone when you are doing work, school, or some other tasks.
• Noticing you are not moving your body as much as you used to due to time on your phone.
• Checking emails first thing in the morning when you wake up.
• Physical pain and strain of the eyes.
• Not sleeping well.
• Fear of missing out (FOMO).

There is a BIG push for all of us to find ways to limit our use of screens. 

There is even a designated Screen Free Week which this year was May 1-7, 2023. 

Benefits you could experience by taking a phone vacation

• Being more in the moment.
• Improved sleep.
• Deepened connections – the ones that are face to face.
• Less eye strain.
• Feeling calmer and happier.
• Increased self worth.
• Less stress.

If you are not ready to take a full vacation from your phone, then try some of these simple tips first. 

1. Consider deleting specific apps that simply are not bringing you happiness.
2. Moving some apps from the front page (easily accessible) to another page, creating a few more steps (this actually works).
3. Put your phone down during lunch and talk to a coworker or read a book.
4. Monitor your screen time and give yourself a specific allowance.
5. Use the do not disturb setting on your phone.
6. If you work at a computer all day, designate time away from the computer or screen. 
7. Replace digital habits with healthy habits such as exercise or meditation. 

Taking a real vacation from your phone will likely require you to practice taking short breaks from your phone first, maybe on a Saturday morning.  

Then when you are ready to take a full day or more, there might be key people you need to notify so they don’t worry about you. 

But after that, put your phone down, slow down, and see where your focus goes.  You might find you have the energy or desire to work on a project or explore a new place that you have not made time for before.

By: Tanya Kramer

This month was established to honor and acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons in our country. 

Older Americans Month (initially called Senior Citizen’s Month) was established after a meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and the members of the National Council of Senior Citizens. 

This time of recognition has transitioned from acknowledging older persons while also recommitting to our work to empower older adults, which allows them to live a life of quality which in some cases means supporting their ability to be independent

The 2023 theme for this year is “Aging Unbound” which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes. 

When thinking about how to engage with an older American in celebration of this month, take into consideration their interest(s) and give them an experience that they have been wanting but maybe have not made time for themself to enjoy. 

You could also set up to meet with them to ask them questions about their life and see if they are open to being audio or video recorded.

I have a precious audio tape of my grandmother, who passed away over 25 years ago and a videotape of my mom and dad (my dad passed away in 2015). 

These opportunities taught me about their history and what they experienced in their lives, which was very humbling.

Another honoring approach is to bring the party or activity to them if they have physical or medical limitations. 

If someone used to love to travel, then set time aside to watch a documentary about a specific country, read books about it together, and consider making food that represents that country. 

The most important thing you can do is spend quality time with the older adults in your life as they are wise, and this is precious time.

For older adults who want to engage in life in a new way, volunteering can be both beneficial for your mental and physical health. It is also a way to support others who might have limitations. Article Source

11 Volunteer Opportunities for Older Adults

1. Senior corps (adults ages 55 or older) – includes opportunities such as visiting other older adults or mentoring students.
2. Local or national charities – Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America, Alzheimer’s Association, etc.
3. Local, state, and national parks – invasive plant removal, tour guide, camp host, along with other options depending on location.
4. Food delivery services – Meals on Wheels or local nonprofits.
5. Animal shelters – giving love and attention to animals so they can increase their chance of being adopted
6. Foster grandparent programs – a meaningful opportunity to connect and support children in need in your area.
7. Community gardens – teaching, maintaining, sharing resources, and the benefit of a bountiful harvest to share with others.
8. Local school support and training – local schools often are looking for extra support in class, during activities, lunchtime, or chaperoning trips
9. Mentoring or training young professionals – such as Big and Mini or Career Village who match older adults with young adults who have similar interests, hobbies, or professional aspirations in person or online.
10. Ideas for older adults with low mobility – participate in GetSetUp which is a platform that provides educational courses led by volunteers which benefit those with low mobility

Providing companionship at your local hospice agency – companionship, creating comfort items, clerical support, welcoming visitors, etc.