Dealing with Electronics at 90
Aren't things supposed to get easier as life goes on?
It may have to do with expectations. I expected to continue to increase my knowledge as I grew older. Instead, being confronted by ever-confusing device complexity, life is more and more challenging.
My lack of basic computer understanding does me in. I'm good at following directions, but sometimes, finding the place to enter the new information feels like I'm in a forest where I can see the trees nearby but have no idea how to get to the clearing.
My son gave me an iPad as a gift and explained how to use it. I wanted to watch Morning Joe's TV show while having breakfast. It took me several weeks to figure out how to consistently find the program. Sometimes, I got it to work, and sometimes I didn't. At one point, I pressed so many incorrect buttons that the whole iPad shut down, and I needed help getting it started again. My granddaughter stepped in and restarted it.
I still needed to learn how to shut it off. As a result, it was always out of power since it was on 24/7. Finally, I went to YouTube and asked, "How to turn off an iPad?" By holding the iPad vertically, one must simultaneously press the button on the top right corner of the iPad itself (not the screen) and the side button at the top edge of the right side. Press both buttons for a few minutes; eventually, the net will prompt you to "Slide to shut down." That works. To start it up again, press the button on the top without the button on the side.
To my companions in need of help: Got it?
I didn't realize that the iPad was like a portable computer. It can access TV, emails, Zoom classes, iPhone APPs, and Kindle. Who knew? I had been using my iPad for TV only. Now I realize it's everything else, as well.
Two weeks ago, I switched my CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) from Freestyle Libre2 to Dexcom G6. My doctor arranged for me to meet a woman, in person, who guided me on how to use this glucose monitor on my iPhone. She was very patient, and she showed me how to attach the sensor to my body and then watched me attach it alone. That was the easy part!
Next, we had to connect the system to my iPhone. It was not so easy, but it got done. The only thing left was to respond to an email from the hospital that connected the system from my iPhone to the doctor's office and staff so that everyone could access my glucose numbers.
I felt delighted with my accomplishment and am happy to tell you it works — almost. Yeah! Except, I can't watch TV on my iPad. My son, my granddaughter, and even seeking help by calling the Help Desk at Apple didn't get it started again. Like most people my age, my hearing is not good. It's challenging when confronted with people with accents or high-pitched voices.
Right now, I'm recharging my iPad; then, I'll recharge my Apple Watch, Kindle, and iPhone. That should keep me busy until at least 3:00 p.m. If only I could restore my body and brain, I'd be accomplishing something swell!!