Tech Tips for Seniors (or anyone, really!)

Well, if you've ever used or had an interest in using artificial intelligence to try to help you out with every tasks, things you might do around the house, or things you might do in the realm of education for yourself, or your kids, you are going to want to listen to this program. My daughter comes on, and she shares her experience with actual use of AI, particularly ChatGPT, in order to help herself with day to day tasks, as well as her nursing program. To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

- There’s so much being said about Artificial Intelligence these days, like how it’s going to take over the world some day (kidding, not kidding), so I thought I’d do an episode on what it is, and specifically how to use it without paying for it, at least for now. To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQMentioned on the Show:Here are some safe, smart, and practical ways to use AI in everyday life, depending on what you want to do: (Note - this list was generated by Chat GPT(AI):💼 For work and productivity- Email and writing help: Ask AI to draft, summarize, or polish emails or reports — then review and personalize them.- Research shortcuts: Use AI to get overviews of topics, then check reliable sources for confirmation.- Meeting prep: Have it outline questions or summaries before or after a meeting.🧠 Tip: Always verify facts before sending or publishing — AI is great for speed, but not always perfect on accuracy.📚 For learning and curiosity- Ask for simple explanations: “Explain quantum physics like I’m in 8th grade.”- Language practice: Chat with AI in another language or ask it to correct your sentences.- Test yourself: Have it quiz you on something you’re studying.🧠 Tip: Use it as a teacher’s assistant, not a substitute — let it guide your understanding, not do your homework.🎨 For creativity- Brainstorm ideas: Titles, stories, gift ideas, or design concepts.- Music and art inspiration: Ask for themes, lyrics, or color palettes.- Cooking and travel: Get recipe ideas or itineraries tailored to your tastes.🧠 Tip: AI is great at sparking ideas — but your creativity gives them life.🧘 For daily organization- Reminders and schedules: Use AI-powered apps to plan your day or prioritize tasks.- Budgeting help: Some AI tools categorize your expenses and spot trends.Health tracking: AI can help analyze sleep or exercise data — though medical advice should always come from a doctor.

When I bring up the subject of journalling I usually get a frown. Most people either love or hate the process of writing things down, or, if they do try it, they just don’t feel the creative juices flowing. If that’s you, I want you to give this episode a listen, because I’m going to:- Talk about the benefits- Give some helpful suggestions- Describe some tools that workIn short I’m going to show you How to make journalling fun againMentioned in this show:Prompts for daily inventory:Ask yourself the below questions at the end of the day - write down your thoughts:Highlights- The day’s happening (AM/PM)- The bad - I felt unrest when...- God is showing me that...- One way I can improve tomorrow is...- How have I given glory to God...The vowel check: AEIOUY:A = Have I been Abstinent today? (Lived my own life, not intertwined with others). E = Have I Exercised today? I = What have I done for myself today? O = What have I done for Others today? U = Am I holding on to Unexpressed emotions today? Y = Yeah! What is something good that surprised me today?To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

I have in front of me a pile of books that I’m currently reading. I imagine you have one just like this. Or maybe larger???So what happens when you need to travel? Travel is one of those peaceful times when reading can really happen. Or what if you are out at a doctor’s appointment waiting, and you find you have the time or want to read? You have to have your book handy right? That’s where this episode will help you, as we talk about Reading books online.To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Do you have a pile of these? (I”m showing a handful of cables) - Or maybe you have sorted collection of these (I’m showing handful of ziplock bags filled and labeled) - In either case, you're going to enjoy and maybe laugh or even cry a little with this episode, when I talk about the many cables and connectors for your mobile devices.To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Apple introduced the iPad in 2010, and when they were first released, many wondered what they would do with it, and would it even take off.Over a decade later these devices have become a part of the mainstream, and many people use them for everything from web browsing to smart home control.My guest is very adept at making an iPad work for him, and is on today to show the versatility of this device. We also address the question of whether an iPad can replace a computer as a primary device.To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

How many of us have inboxes that are overflowing with everything from junk email, to messages that we haven’t responded to but need to, and every in-between. My guest is my daughter, Stephanie Braun - she has a real passion for this topic, and has some helpful tips for how to do a better job managing YOUR inbox. Jeyson and Stephanie Braun serve through missionary aviation with JAARS. You can find out more about their ministry here: https://www.cten.org/us-canada-missionaries/jeyson-and-stephanie-braun?rq=braun Links mentioned in this Episode: Demo - Create a folder in Apple Mail and Gmail https://youtu.be/dFW5x8idYCY To follow this podcast: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330 YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Some people use the Camera on their phone to take pictures of scenery on a trip, or for taking pictures of groups of people at a gathering, or the plate of food in front of them. - My wife Vickie uses her phone/camera in what I would describe as many non-traditional, yet very practical ways I think our audience will find helpful: Pictures of products Collecting and storing information Recreational activities So for this show Vickie and I will discuss Different ways to use the Camera on your Phone. I hope you’ll find this discussion very useful and fun too. Stay tuned YouTube - https://youtu.be/ugzPgE7cd_M Apple Podcasts - Spotify - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bruce271/episodes/33-Different-ways-to-use-the-Camera-on-your-Phone-e2h519q

The holidays are here and this means wishing all our podcast listeners a happy, safe and blessed holiday season. A whole new season of Tech Tips are just ahead in 2024 - stay tuned as we bring new topics on many of the emerging tech subjects which are sure to keep all of us on our toes. Thanks for being a faithful listener - I hope you will join me in the coming year for a new season of Tech Tips for Seniors (or anyone really).

There are some funny squiggly square boxes showing up on signs, in magazines and well just about everywhere - these are called QR codes. But what do they do, are they safe and how do you use them? - The tech tip discusses How to scan a QR code. How to scan a QR code using an Android phone - https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/9283368?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid#:~:text=On%20your%20compatible%20Android%20phone,your%20Android%20phone%20or%20tablet. YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/zSOh8EeqHJY (Also on Apple Podcasts and Spotify)

In the (seems like distant) past we purchased music recordings on vinyl, magnetic tape (8-track or cassette), or via iTunes. But today the music industry has moved to streaming music via the internet and purchasing a subscription to a service provides access to millions of songs at any time. In this episode we describe the evolution to streaming, who the big players are. We also describe how to create playlists using Apple Music. A link for doing the same in Spotify is below. Please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend If you got something out of it. We’d also appreciate if you left us a rating and review. If you’ve done that already, thank you very much! Creating a playlist with Spotify - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/create-playlists/ YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/5TiLsRd0lKQ

Traditional shopping has always taken place in stores, where you can browse and shop for items and place them in your shopping cart to purchase. But technology has affected the way we shop and it is more and more a mixture of shopping in-stores and also online. My guest, Vickie Ciotta (who is also my wife) shares some of her extensive experience in managing the transition to online shopping and gives tips for how to navigate in a hybrid shopping world. She also shares her feelings regarding security and using a password manager. Those who are somewhat uncomfortable shopping online will find this tip extremely helpful. YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/_H4Du5gfKPw Please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend If you got something out of it. We’d also appreciate if you left us a rating and review. If you’ve done that already, thank you very much!