Tips to Help You Instantly Become More Tech-Savvy

The top advice for older women from 20-somethings.

By

Anastasia Rubis

 
Published October 31, 2024
illustration of a woman jumping between technology devices
Ana Galvan

At 64, as I move up in years, I want to remain cool, current and tech-savvy. Who doesn’t? But I still rely on younger people to book me an Uber or Lyft. I still keep paper notes (everywhere!) instead of using a note-taking app. And I’m not about to watch a movie on a cell phone; that’s what big-screen TVs are for.

I’m proud to be my age (and know who The Beatles, Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Walters were). But to learn more about keeping up with the culture, I created a group chat with 10 young women and men selected from my 27-year-old daughter’s friend group. Their advice sometimes made me laugh and often opened my eyes.

If you want to connect with your kids and grandkids — and stay attuned to the culture — here are their suggestions.

Note: You’ll need a new-ish smartphone, and a computer you know how to use, plus a way to keep track of usernames/passwords and credit card information.

Tech Tips

Cash is still king in some cases, but now your cell phone pays for everything through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Zelle and PayPal. My daughter giggled recently at the supermarket when I dug out nickels and dimes from my wallet to pay the cashier, as her generation does everything digitally. The easiest way to get in and out of a grocery store is to master self-checkout, which can be confusing for all ages. Thank goodness for attendants.

Parking apps are a good way to ease into mobile pay. You can add time from anywhere and never get a ticket. Plus, no looking for stray quarters in the back seat. Most meters also take credit cards.

Save money on reams of paper and the cost of a printer itself. All movie and museum tickets, boarding passes and take-out orders can be executed, paid for and stored on your phone.

Many people my age and older still use a trusty paper calendar or agenda to record appointments and to-do lists. You can keep track of your schedule with more ease and efficiency by downloading Apple Calendar, Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar instead. Calendar apps sync automatically between devices, so you can view your schedule from anywhere.

This is a must if your vehicle has a built-in GPS or you are using your phone: follow Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze to (almost) never get lost again. Practice following the confident voice or screen as it can be confusing: did they mean turn now — or later?! Practice makes perfect.

Hesitant to give up yellow legal pads to record “must-dos"? Learn to navigate your phone’s note-taking app, which often resembles good-old lined paper. Record grocery lists, errands to run and gifts to buy and always have the list with you.

Keep track of passwords. I still write mine on paper, but the ink is fading! You can try using a notes app and lock it for security. High tech: try a password manager, as an increasing number of experts suggest we do.

Cell Phones

Video calls are great for catching up with loved ones. However, I once accidentally video-called while in the bathroom. Make sure to press the right button — audio only! Better yet, save your calls for a private, appropriate place, particularly calls put on speaker. No one wants to hear a two-way conversation (or argument!) while having a relaxing meal at a restaurant or riding the train.

If you want to chat with someone under 35, text first: “When would be a good time to talk?” Younger people read texts before listening to phone messages. You might get a text back that says, “Just text me what you want to say.” You can respond, “This is more important than a text.” Or you can say something endearing like, “I just want to hear your voice. I miss you!”

Bottom line: learn to text, and text often. Remember that Siri can make funny, and not-so-funny, spelling errors. The word “fleck” can turn into a cuss word. Proofread your texts carefully and keep your messages short and to the point.

Social Media

Facebook is our generation’s primary connection to the world but delve into Instagram to keep up with what younger family members and friends are up to — and where on the planet they might be. Increasingly, Instagram is the way to get your own messages and pictures out, quickly and to a broader multi-generation audience.

If you really want to dive into the cool antics and crazes of people of all ages, become a TikTok-er. The videos of five-year-olds singing a perfect rendition of the Star Spangled Banner are magical. And the grannies dancing and having some of the funniest conversations prove that we are never too old. I enjoy Annie Korzen, a regular on Seinfeld, on TikTok: @akorzen. In her mid-80s, Annie has more than one million followers.

Computers

I am always astounded when a friend my age or older says, “I just don’t need a computer,” or “I don’t need to be online.” In 2024, we all need a computer that we know how to navigate. We all need to be online. The best entertainment is streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Apple TV. We can download lectures or classes led by prominent experts on health, politics or achieving longevity. And we can subscribe to publications like The Ethel, the free AARP weekly e-newsletter geared to women 55-plus, with stories by experts in wellness, beauty, relationships, finance, travel, technology and all sorts of topics that help us live our best lives, with passion and purpose, at every age.

The biggest lesson I learned about keeping up with the times: it stimulates our brains. It’s confidence-building. We can do it!

I recently downloaded a parking app and voila — it wasn’t so hard. I felt empowered.

When it comes to technology, is there something in particular you'd like to get better at? Let us know in the comments below.

Anastasia Rubis recently published her debut novel, ORIANA: A Novel of Oriana Fallaci, based on the true story of the trailblazing journalist and her one great love. Rubis is a former advertising executive and adjunct professor and holds degrees from Brown University and Montclair State University. She lives in New Jersey where she raised her family.