Posts

AI Scams Seniors Should Be On The Lookout For

  Hey everyone! As seniors, we might not be seeking out the latest AI tools, but these days, AI is finding us—and sometimes, not for the better. Here’s what you need to be wary of, including real-life examples of recent AI scams and mistakes that could trip anybody up. Where You’ll Run Into AI—Without Even Trying - **Your Phone & Email:** Voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, spam filters, and even predictive text are all powered by AI. Sometimes, these “smart” features mix up your words or block important messages by accident. And scammers are using AI to craft super-realistic spam emails that look just like messages from banks or trusted companies, hoping you’ll click a bad link or share your info . - **Social Media & Video Calls:** Ever noticed a video or photo that just looked “off”? Maybe a friend’s face was on someone else’s body, or a celebrity seemed to say something odd. These are called “deepfakes”—AI-generated videos and audio that can be incredibly convincing. Th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Finally! Technology That Actually Helps Families Stay Connected When Memory Starts to Fade

We've all been there. Your mom lives three states away, and every phone call brings that nagging worry: Did she remember to take her medication? Is she eating properly? What if something happens and I'm not there? For 82-year-old Janet Dibkey and her granddaughter Alyssa, living 400 miles apart, this worry was becoming overwhelming. Janet was showing early signs of memory loss, but like over 90% of older adults, she desperately wanted to stay in her own home. The distance was creating constant stress for both of them. But here's where the story gets exciting – and hopeful. When Personal Experience Drives Innovation Alyssa wasn't just any worried granddaughter. As a clinical neuropsychologist at UC Davis Health, she understood exactly how cognitive impairment affects daily life. And she refused to accept that families had to choose between independence and peace of mind. "You never not worry," she explains. "I knew there needed to be a solution to imp...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Week for Seniors: Stop the 'Security Alert' Scam, Check Your Medicare Mail, and Pick a Simpler Phone

  The “security alert” trick that empties savings Scammers are using pop-ups and phone calls that pretend to be from your bank, Amazon, Microsoft, or Apple. They try to scare you by saying your account was hacked and you must move your money “to keep it safe.” That’s the scam. What to do: Close the pop-up. Do not call the number on your screen. If someone calls you first, hang up. Call your bank or card using the number on the back of your card or your statement. Never move money or share passcodes because a stranger told you to. Simple rule: If it feels urgent and scary, slow down and call the real number you already trust. Medicare/CMS “audit” messages that aren’t real Doctors’ offices have been getting fake requests for medical records that claim to be from Medicare or CMS. These can confuse patients too. Medicare does not start audits through random faxes or unverified emails. If you get something that feels off, don’t use any number in that message—call the official Medicare n...
Post a Comment
Read more

Create a Magical Story for Your Grandchild Using Gemini

Would you love to delight your grandchild or a favorite little one with a personalized story? With Gemini, Google’s new artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, it’s easier than ever—even if computers aren’t your thing! What is Gemini? Gemini is a friendly virtual helper designed to answer questions, generate creative content, and make technology less intimidating. One exciting way to use Gemini: have it help you create custom stories for kids! Why Create Stories with Gemini? Simple steps: No need for tech skills. Personal touch: Use your grandchild’s name and favorite things. Memorable moments: Share digital or printed stories for reading together. Step-by-Step Guide: Tell Gemini to Make Your Story 1) Open Gemini On your computer or tablet, go to https://gemini.google.com/app and log in with your Google account (if you have Gmail, it's the same one). 2) Start Your Request Click to start a new chat or conversation with Gemini. 3) Describe Your Story Idea Type a requ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Welcome to TheSeniorTechie: Your Trusted Guide to Technology for Seniors

Hello and welcome to TheSeniorTechie! My name is Paul, and I created this blog to help fellow seniors discover and enjoy the benefits of today’s technology. Technology shouldn’t be intimidating—it should empower us to connect, explore, and improve our daily lives, no matter our age. Here, you’ll find clear guides to new devices and apps, honest discussions about technology products I personally use, and tips for navigating the digital world securely. Whether you want to learn how to use your smartphone more effectively, explore the latest smart home gadgets, or get practical advice for staying safe online, you’ll find it here. This blog is a community. I invite you to share your experiences, ask questions, and suggest topics. My goal is to make technology accessible, useful, and even fun for seniors everywhere. Thank you for joining me—let’s start this exciting journey together!
Post a Comment
Read more