By Judie Donaldson

I just returned from a vacation with my family at Lake Tahoe, which is about as beautiful and serene a setting as I have known. But, while I was there, I noticed something curious.  I observed that my two daughters and two sons-in-law––all of whom are professionals with demanding jobs––were completely free of their phones and computers. In other words they were really on vacation  Meanwhile, day after day, I was at my computer and iPhone responding to what felt like essential time-sensitive messages. Shaking my head, I asked myself, “What is wrong with this picture? I’m retired, aren’t I?”
I’m inclined to think that three factors shape the scenario of how I’m aging. One is personal, a second is societal, and the third is technological. Personally, I quickly realized when I retired that what I enjoy and do well is work! So, it’s not a surprise that I’ve carried my overly zealous work ethic from the workplace to the volunteer place. Additionally, and embarrassingly, if I’m honest, I also like to have my voice heard and have my say!  So, in this regard, I have only myself to blame for the fact that I was attached to my computer and iPhone when I was on vacation. Let’s hope I manage to change this behavior before I’m in my 90s!
On the other hand, the societal factor that is influencing retirees like me and perhaps you is pretty darn positive. In our columns, Lois and I have talked about the changing attitude toward older adults and the fact that we’re living longer and living better. Carquinez Village reflects this changing attitude as it supports older adults in living life as fully as possible. It’s not unusual today that an 80-year-old like me is an active volunteer and that Lois has published her third  book. As the number of older adults increases, the roles that we will play and the contributions that we will make will only increase. Prepare yourself. We’re about to be a part of a tsunami of creative and impressive grey-haired civic and volunteer leaders!
It’s the third factor, the influence of technology, that is just beginning to change the way we age. Yes, I said just beginning. Of course, we know that technology has transformed our culture over the past 30 years. Now, we’re headed into an era in which demographics is an increasing factor. It’s simple. It’s a matter of math and the marketplace. Now that we’re becoming an aging society with a dramatic increase in the number of older adults, there will be increasing ways in which those of us who are older can benefit from technological solutions. Some innovations are already in place. Others are on their way.
For example, I am about to outfit my house with three devices called Amazon’s “Alexa.” Alexa is a technological tool referred to as a personal assistant . . . to which you can give directions and ask questions! For example, you can ask Alexa for the weather conditions. You can ask her to play some folk or classical music. You can ask her to remind you to take your medications or to make a phone call a family member or friend. And more.
Now, you might ask, “Why would anyone want this?” While it isn’t a tool developed specifically for older adults, it’s believed that it can be beneficial in innumerable ways and, in particular, contribute to an individual’s safety.  If you have difficulty getting around, for example, there would be benefit in directing Alexa to turn on a light while you’re sitting right in your chair. If you would fall or feel ill, you could direct Alexa to call a neighbor or a son or daughter. If you have diminished vision, you could ask for the time.
I am getting Alexa because I have difficulty with my handwriting, a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. I plan to direct Alexa to place appointments on my calendar, build my “to-do” and shopping lists, and perform other writing tasks. I’m sure that I’ll depend on her for other things as well. I’ll let you know.
Here are some other inventions in the works. When I lived in Pittsburgh, Penn., there was a company making  “smart houses” for older adults. They had automatic door openers, automatic messages to family members when their loved one went to bed and got up, refrigerators that would open and close with a press of a button or a voice command, and washing machines that would talk to dryers . . . although darned if I know how!
Today, some health care providers provide the chance for you to see and talk to your doctor, and get a diagnosis over the computer.  There are companies that are making smart windows and doors that provide 24/7 monitoring and will send out an alert to a caregiver or family member if a window or door is opened without explanation. There’s a smart garbage system that will scan your garbage to determine what food you have used and need, and make a grocery list for you. And on and on.
Are you inclined to think that this is pie in the sky or hogwash? I want to urge you to have an open mind. We never anticipated how our lives would be transformed by today’s technology, and I don’t think that we can begin to imagine the ways in which aging will be changed in the years ahead.  One thing is for certain, however; it is going to change.
Kyle Rand, CEO of Rendever, one of the companies beginning to innovate has said, “We want to show America what today’s modern aging experience looks like.” Perhaps the most attractive outcome promoted by developers is financial. They anticipate that the combined innovations will enable older adults to stay in their homes longer and reduce the expense incurred by moving into an assisted-living facility.
That sounds appealing, doesn’t it? I’d be glad to save some money! How about you?
For information on Carquinez Village, call 707-297-2472 or visit www.carquinezvillage.com.

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