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Older Drivers: Learning Technology Can Extend To Your Car

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drivers and their old cars on the streets of Havana, Cuba

At some point, Keith and I are going to have to think about getting a new car. Years ago as drivers, we became a one-car household. And our current car is over 15 years old. Having a reliable vehicle is important so we shouldn’t wait until we have to buy a car.

But you can see where I’m going with this. Today’s automobiles have a lot of technology! Our old car has a GPS system. Which of course we don’t use because it’s easier and more accurate to use our phones and Google Maps. But 15 years ago, GPS technology was fancy and a luxury! Since we tend to keep cars for a while, it’s important that we get the right technology that’s going to help us have a better driving experience. And what I mean by that is drive more safely.

If you’re not aware, AARP has a 90-minute self-guided online workshop about today’s smarter vehicles. It covers technologies like assistive parking systems, blind spot warning systems for drivers, and crash mitigation systems. The purpose of the workshop is to help people understand what these technologies do (and don’t do) so we can make educated decisions about the types of technologies we want to include in our vehicles.

As we age, one of the things that remains important to our wellbeing is having the ability to still get around. I think it’s fair to say that we don’t want to have to rely on people to drive us around for errands, etc. While those activities aren’t the most exciting, they do represent being mobile. And I’m sure we want to be independent as long as we can.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) talks about how older drivers need to be aware of the changes that happen to our driving skills as we age. Falls and motor vehicle crashes are the two leading causes of injury and death in older adults. The good news is that the latest technologies can help. They’re not designed to be a replacement for our driving skills, but they can offer assistance. If you know about them and you know how to use them properly.

While we’re talking about driving, there are other resources out on the Interwebs that can help you with your driving skills as you age.

  • AAA has a Senior Driving site which includes each state’s licensing laws, a driving health check-up, and how to have a conversation with an older adult about their driving.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers something similar to AAA with videos and resources to support older drivers including how certain medical conditions can have an impact on driving abilities.

Having a conversation about driving is very difficult. Many of us have been driving for decades. Maybe we haven’t had a traffic ticket in years. That doesn’t mean we can let our guard down about our driving skills – or those of other drivers on the road. And when it comes time to replace our current vehicles, we need to understand the latest automobile technologies so we buy features that make sense for our situation.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Havana, Cuba

What We Are UP To: Holiday Edition

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Christmas tree ornament pink holiday flamingo with Santa hat

Disclosure: Occasionally we receive free products for review or include advertising links in posts, but no one impacts the honesty of our opinions. 

The holiday season is upon us. It’s a time to be thankful and giving. And when I say giving that doesn’t necessarily mean buying gifts. There are so many no-cost things we can give to others like our respect and attention. Keith and I are excited to be spending the holidays in our new home. And with a new place I’m sure we will start some new holiday traditions. 

Working On | A New Christmas Tree

> Our last home was a little smaller than this one and a full-size tree just didn’t look right. For the past few years, we’ve had a tabletop tree. In this house, we have a bit more space, so we’ve decided on a full-size Christmas tree. It’s decorated with our favorite things like donuts, pizza, and tacos. LOL!

Watching | Once Upon a Deadpool

> I will admit that Deadpool movies are a guilty pleasure. After the release of Deadpool 2, the movie was re-released in a PG-13 format with the addition of Fred Savage and a holiday theme. We can get our Deadpool fix and some holiday cheer at the same time. I fully expect the debates about whether it’s a holiday movie. Just like Die Hard, which is definitely a holiday movie. 

Reading | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

> I finally got my hands on book number three in the Harry Potter series. Just started the book (no spoilers, please!) We’ve also been playing the Harry Potter Wizards Unite game on our phones, so I’ve been very curious about the character of Sirius Black. Can’t wait to see how it turns out! 

Planning | 2020

> I can’t wait to start saying it’s the year 2020! When I was younger, the year 2000 seemed so far away. Remember Y2K?! We thought the whole world was coming to an end. The good news is that we survived the turn of the century. And now we have a new decade to celebrate. 

Feeling | Excited

> The thought of a new year is always exciting to me. I spend time thinking about my accomplishments and set goals for the New Year. Now that we’re settling into our new place, we have no excuses. It will be fun to see what the year has in store for us!

Loving | Uten.Silo

>  The Uten.Silo wall storage unit was created by Dorothee Becker in the 1960s. She said it was inspired by her father’s drugstore. There was a hanging bag full of fascinating things waiting to be discovered. I’ve been fascinated by the piece ever since I saw it. Now I’m thrilled to have one hanging in my new office. 

Geeking | Amazon Echo

> We have several Amazon Echo devices. It’s been fun setting them up for the new house. If you have a few Amazon Echo devices and haven’t checked out the routines feature, it’s quite cool. You can set up your device to do a series of commands – like turn on the lights, tell you the weather, and then play your favorite music station. 

Remembering | Self-Care

> It’s easy during the holidays to over-indulge. While I certainly don’t want to damper anyone’s holiday celebrations, do take time to rest, relax, and take care of yourself. It might be having a cuppa tea and reading a good book. Or sleeping in late. Self-care is important. You will be thankful that you did. 

What’s UP with you? Keith and I wish you the best of holidays. Thank you so much for supporting Unretirement Project and cheers to the New Year!

Smart Home Technology Helps Aging in Place

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Las Vegas sign robot waiters cheers to good times with smart home technology

I ran across this article in ReadWrite about “The Key to Smart Home Success; Safety and Security”. It’s an interesting read that you might want to check out. Even if you’re not thinking about aging in your home.

Keith and I still have a few years before we’re of official retirement age (i.e. meaning we can sign up for Medicare and Social Security). But that doesn’t mean we’re not thinking about the home we plan to age in and how we can make that home as “senior” friendly as possible.

Obviously, that includes things like downsizing and making bathroom renovations to include grip bars in tubs and showers. But another area that we’ve been reading a lot about is using smart home technology. Hence, my mention of the ReadWrite article above. We’re using smart home technologies now to make our lives easier. Why not think about how smart home technologies can help us age in place?

But here’s the thing. We need to be deliberate when it comes to using smart home technologies. This isn’t simply about buying some gizmo and hooking it up to our home internet. Here are a few things to consider:

Learn how the Internet of Things (ioT) works. The Internet of Things (aka IoT) is a system of interrelated devices that connect with each other via the internet. A common example would be that I can view what’s happening in our home on my Apple Watch and iPhone using my Amazon web camera. The idea is that all of these devices work together to give me – the user – a more valuable experience. 

Think ecosystem. Keith and I were big holdouts when it came to the Apple ecosystem. We had iPhones and iPads but held back on iMacs and other devices. We had no idea how great the benefits were of being in the ecosystem. I’m not saying you have to buy Apple products but do think about how your devices will “speak” to or work with each other. Remember, the goal is to make things easier.

Research companies and services. Once we know how IoT works, then it becomes easier to identify those companies that might provide products and services that will be helpful. We can research who has ecosystems and who doesn’t. I hate to say it but the last thing we want to do is invest in products and services that won’t get along with other technologies. Or they sound cool, but they might be out of business in a couple of years.

Know how your home network is set up and functions. Getting internet at home is so easy today. Just call a service provider and they show up with a box and some wires. Just a couple hours later…poof! We have WiFi. But if you’re planning to use smart home technology to help with your aging strategy, then it’s important to know a bit more. Get educated on how the system is set up and how to do basic troubleshooting.

You don’t need to get a degree in engineering to become proficient with smart home technologies. But for all of those people who might be saying, “Ah, who needs the internet?!” keep in mind that smart homes are the wave of the future. It’s what people want. And it’s what companies are making. At some point, it is possible that all we might be able to buy are smart home technologies. No one wants to age behind a steep learning curve.

What We Are UP To – The Grateful Edition

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sign saying this is a good day next to a graffiti heart being grateful

Thank you so much for being an Unretirement Project reader. We’re grateful for your support. We’ve been UP to lots of exciting things in November. 

Feeling | Excited (and Exhausted!)

> Five years ago, we decided to move from Fort Lauderdale to Gainesville. Three years ago, we put a deposit on a house. Last week, we finally started moving into our forever home. To say it’s been a rollercoaster is an understatement. But we’re grateful to be spending our first Thanksgiving in our mess of a new home. 

Working On | Unpacking

> Needless to say, it’s all about the unpacking right now. And we’re tackling a few boxes a day. After having most of our belongings in storage for the past few months, it’s quite a treat to open a box and say, “Yea! I found it.” And “OMGosh, I forgot we owned this!” When we put our things into storage, we were wearing shorts. Today, we’re grateful to find our sweaters. Ha.ha.

Watching | Football

> Thanksgiving is a day for being grateful. But it’s also a day of celebration. We like to spend ours watching parades, football, and the Turkeys Away episode of WKRP in Cincinnati. We lived in Cinci years ago and always loved how the city embraced this wacky show and episode. 

Reading | Warranties and Manuals

> It’s not the most exciting reading. But it’s essential. While appliances are usually very intuitive, they also have more features. The hardest part is figuring out how to store all of these documents. In our last home, we created a file for each room and stored the manual for the item in the room’s folder. Very efficient and easy to locate the manual when necessary.

Remembering | Past Thanksgivings

> I don’t know why but holidays are always a time for remembering past holidays. This one will be particularly special since we’re in our new home. But last year, we took a cruise and it was fun. I guess what makes a holiday special is who you spend it with not where you spend it. 

Planning | Alton Brown’s Aged Eggnog

> I read an article recently on the Serious Eats blog about Alton Brown’s aged eggnog. We like eggnog. It’s a once a year treat. So now that we have a home and a new refrigerator, I thought that I would break it in by making fresh eggnog and aging it for one year. Ask me this time next year if I’m grateful for it. LOL!

Loving | Versed

> I’ve mentioned before that taking care of my skin is important. Especially as I’m aging. But I will admit that I’m not interested in having a 20+ step skin care regimen. Thankfully, I recently discovered Versed. It’s a Target-exclusive skin care collection that’s free of toxins, added colors, and fragrances. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free. Lastly, each item is under $20. 

Geeking | MOTILE Backpack

> I love traveling with a backpack and recently found one with a charger. Walmart’s MOTILE brand includes a laptop backpack with a wireless powerbank and a wallet with a Qi wireless charger. I decided to give them a workout on a recent trip and loved the storage. It’s great when form and function come together. 

We are truly grateful that you join us in this project. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. And let us know, what’s UP with you?

How to Deal With Ageism During Job Interviews

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you be you sign confidence is in you ageism during interviews

I ran across this article on Harvard Business Review titled, “5 Ways to Respond to Ageism in a Job Interview”. It’s worth checking out. 

It’s unfortunate but ageism exists. And there’s a real debate going on right now whether ageism is being perpetuated by organizations or individuals. Meaning, are companies really the villains when it comes to pointing out that age is a factor in employment decisions OR are individuals the victim for not keeping up with the times. Personally, I think there’s a bit of both happening in the workplace today.

Organizations need to realize that older workers bring value. Especially when businesses are really struggling to find talent. Meanwhile, job seekers and employees need to realize the world is changing. Technology is a big part of our personal and professional lives. As individuals, we need to evolve and stay current. 

Back to the Harvard Business Review piece. I thought the article had some great interview tips for individuals who are trying to find a new opportunity in today’s job market. Regardless of age. Here are five from the article:

  1. Demonstrate energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity.
  2. Adopt a consulting mindset, meaning listen more than talk.
  3. Express a willingness to work in a non-hierarchical organization.
  4. Connect with the recruiter and hiring manager.
  5. Show the ability to work with a diverse group of people. 

But I have to tell you, IMHO, the author blew it big time with the suggestion to “look the part”. [Warning: Rant Ahead]

No, the author didn’t suggest that we all start wearing hoodies and Allbirds. That being said, I felt even adding comments about department store styling services, buying some modern jewelry, and getting new eyeglasses were out of place. I thought the author negated all of the useful tips they shared by saying, “It’s not enough to showcase your knowledge, skills, and abilities. You have to look like you’ll fit in.”

As a human resources professional, here’s my two-cents regarding interview attire: You should be who you are. That includes wearing what you want. Wear what makes you happy, comfortable, and productive. My only advice for individuals about their clothing is wear what fits, make sure it’s clean, and don’t offend anyone. If you want to buy some new clothes because you’re looking for a new job, go right ahead. But do it for you. Not because some company – or writer –  says you need to. [Rant Over. Thanks for listening.]

I recently learned about a new term called “covering”. This is when organizations hire individuals because on the surface, they appear to bring diversity, but once the person starts, the new employee feels the need to “cover up” who they are to fit in. Take that principle to the interviewing process. If you have to cover up who you are to get a job, how happy are you really going to be once you get hired? I’m not just talking about clothes. 

Looking for a new opportunity is a long and sometimes stressful process. Do your homework on the companies you’re interviewing with. Make sure you feel you can be yourself there. Because that’s where you’ll be happiest and most productive. 

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Denver, CO

What We Are UP To: Nostalgia Edition

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Fall pumpkins and nostalgia

While I love technology and all the modern advancements we have today, there are moments when I become nostalgic. And according to this article from Scientific American, nostalgia is good for us. This October, I’ve spent more than my fair share of thinking about icons, the classics.

Watching | Downton Abbey: The Movie

> I got hooked on the BBC period drama years ago and it was a bit disappointing when the show ended. But I must admit that the movie did a great job of giving me my Downton Abbey fix. I won’t spoil the plot, but the cast did a great job of bringing back the nostalgia and magic to the big screen.

Reading | The Newspaper

> I know! Some of you might be saying, “What’s that?!” LOL! We’ve realized that it’s important to consume the news from a variety of resources. With an upcoming election, Keith and I want to be educated about the issues. So, in addition to new media sources like the internet, we’re also paying attention to those “old school” sources such as television and the newspaper. 

Remembering | A “Traditional” Thanksgiving

> I ran across this article on Eater titled “Don’t Host a Traditional Thanksgiving. Skip the Turkey and Try This Instead.” It lays out the case for abandoning some traditions and introducing new ideas during the holidays. It made me think about how we’ve spent our holidays and ask the question, “Are we ready to change things up a little?” Honestly, I’m not sure. I still like parades, turkey, and football on Thanksgiving Day – nostalgia or not.

Working On | Boston

> Actually, it’s more correct for me to say that I’m working “in” Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States. I love working downtown. It allows me to walk past all the historic buildings and monuments on my way to the office. And I’m enjoying some local classic foods like stews, pot pie, lobster rolls, and Boston Cream Pie. 

Feeling | Fashionable

> A couple of blogs I’ve been reading have been talking about fall fashion trends that I would consider to be classic pieces – like plaid jackets and snakeskin. Maybe it’s me, but those options have been around for years. Obviously, I missed them the first time around, so I’ve been looking for ways to incorporate those “new” trends into my “old” wardrobe.

Planning | Homeownership

> It’s hard to believe our very long and very frustrating house building project might be coming to an end. The builder is starting to talk with us about “closing activities” – yea! After years of moving, renting, storage, and temporary housing, it appears that we might be homeowners again very soon. Let’s hope we remember what that feels like. Ha!

Loving | Dr. Martens

> Founded in 1947, this UK footwear company makes some of the most iconic shoes in fashion. I’ve only recently discovered them but quickly become a fan. I never wear heels, so it’s nice to find a shoe with some personality that’s also very comfortable. 

Geeking | Autumn Weather

> I must admit that autumn is my favorite time of year. I love sweaters, soup, and cool (not cold) temperatures. When we lived in South Florida, we didn’t get much in terms of fall weather. Now that we live in North Florida, we do experience cooler temperatures. It’s nice not to be making chili when it’s 90 degrees outside. Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about. 

What’s UP with you? Got any holiday plans?

What We Are UP To – August 2019

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August travel boats in a marina from under canopy

Watching| Aggretsuko

> This Netflix comedy anime series is about Retsuko the red panda and her life working in the accounting department of the Carrier Man Trading Company, Ltd. To relieve her daily frustrations, she belts out death metal karaoke after work. I have to admit I was a little skeptical after the first episode, but by episode two while binge watching in August, I was hooked. Can’t wait for season three!

Reading| A Nice Cup of Tea

> I’ve mentioned before that I’m a huge tea fan. I ran across this essay from George Orwell on the eleven points to making the perfect cuppa tea. While I do agree with him about drinking tea from a mug, I commit blasphemy according to his writings by putting the milk/cream in first. Sorry, I see no sense in dirtying all those spoons. 

Remembering| Old Movies

>  I had a really fantastic time reading through the mid-August Twitter hashtag #BestMovieLineEver. I was reminded of old movies that I love like “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” from Jaws and “Yippee-ki-yay Mother F**ker” from that Christmas movie Die Hard. But I also saw quite a few people mention movies I’ve never seen like Fight Club. An old movie night might be on the schedule very soon.

Working On| Doctor’s Appointments

>  I’m not sure how it turned out this way, but we seem to have a whole bunch of doctor’s appointments this month. Nothing is wrong. Just the check-up stuff. But somehow, they managed to all show up this month. Oh well. While it might be tempting to push them off or wait until something doesn’t feel right, I know that’s not the right thing to do. It’s important to take our health seriously and be as proactive as possible. 

Feeling| Ready for Travel Season

>  Fall and winter are usually full of travel for me and this year is no exception. I’m looking forward to visiting some new places and revisiting some of my favorites (like Seattle). And selfishly, I’m looking forward to wearing my sweaters and boots. You just don’t get enough opportunities to wear jackets and sweaters living in Florida.  

Planning| Appliance Shopping

>  It’s hard to believe but we are getting close to closing on our Gainesville home. Which means we have a couple of appliances to buy – specifically a washer and dryer. So…many…choices! I don’t feel like it’s been that long since we purchased our last washer and dryer but the number of features…yowza! Amazon Alexa can talk to dryers now?! We started looking in August and still have some research to do. 

Loving| Mochi ice cream

>  Keith and I recently tried mochi ice cream. It’s a small round confection consisting of a soft sticky rice dumpling (called a mochi) formed around an ice cream ball. You can find mochi ice cream in freezer section of the grocery store. We are totally hooked on the vanilla and strawberry flavors!

Geeking| History of the Marvel Universe

>  I haven’t purchased a comic book in decades, but in early August Marvel came out with the first of a six-part series called “The History of the Marvel Universe”. I can’t wait to read issue number one. I loved reading comics as a kid. I’m hoping it’s just as much fun as an adult.

What’s UP with you? And what’s your favorite movie line?