(2 Minute Read)
The tech world of today can sometimes feel like a playground for millennials and younger generations. But, in reality, it’s a space for anyone of any age to engage, create, and have fun – and that’s especially true for senior citizens. Whether you’re researching a new topic of interest, keeping up with friends and family on social media, or just clicking around for the best cute cat video, there are tons of reasons for retirees to enjoy the web. Don’t believe us? Here are some seniors who are making waves while surfing the internet and having a blast with technology.
Famous Tech Trailblazers
It’s understandable to imagine the fast-paced world of technology being orchestrated by young billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg, but there are many seniors who have played critical roles in the development of such inventions. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, is 63 and still leading his company in miraculous developments. Though the late Steve Jobs gets the lion share of attention, his partner Steve Wozniak is known by computer gurus as the true genius behind Apple’s meteoric rise to the top. Even counterculture icons like Stuart Brand is hailed as merging science, space, and technology as far back as the 1960s.
Having Fun on YouTube
Video blogging – or vlogging as the kids call it – is the act of creating personal videos for viewers to watch and subscribe to. These can cover tutorials on how to do something, be a form of self-expression, show off a hidden talent, or even just be a chance for folks to act silly and make others laugh. Sure, these channels on YouTube may skew younger, but there are quite a few YouTubers in their golden years. Here are a few of the most popular senior personalities on the site:
- Mr. Forthright
- Shirley Curry
- 3GoldenSistersTV
- Lill Droniak
- Clara Cannucciari
Getting Likes and Followers on Instagram
You’re probably familiar with the social media platform Facebook, where you can interact and keep up with all your friends and family. However, an increasingly popular destination for these types of engagements can be found on its sister site, Instagram. The website – free to use for anyone with a computer or smartphone – focuses on images and videos, rather than text posts. However, you can still comment on people’s content, follow famous celebrities, and even create your own content. For those with a lot of “followers” on Instagram, this can be an opportunity to be what’s known as an “influencer” or someone who suggests products and lifestyles for those interested. Here are some great senior citizen Instagrammers to add to your friend list. You might even recognize some of the names!
- George Takei
- Iris Apfel
- Advanced style
- Linda and Winks
- Sara Mai Jewels
As you can see, there are plenty of great ways to enjoy technology as a senior citizen. In fact, there are plenty of people just like you who are doing great things and having fun using the internet and tech devices. Once you get started, there’s no telling how far you can go!
Case Study: Steve and Shelia bought life insurance for federal estate tax liquidity several years ago. Now that the federal estate tax laws have changed, they no longer need the policy. Steve and Shelia’s financial advisor informed them they could sell their life insurance policy for an immediate cash payment. Steve and Shelia sold their life insurance policy and used the proceeds to pay off a few medical bills, set up a 529 college plan for their grandchildren and supplement their retirement.
Leo LaGrotte
Life Settlement Advisors
llagrotte@lsa-llc.com
1-888-849-0887
