Technology for the Ages Part 1 of 3

Technology for the Ages

Karilea Rilling Jungel

We know our children and their children are surrounded by technology, day in, day out. But so are we. We don’t always realize it when we handle our cell or smart phones, iPods or iPad, Kindle, Nook, the monitors that hook us up wirelessly to heart monitors that are read by physician miles away. We don’t recognize that we are engaged in technology and turn on the television – even if we have several remotes for the various instruments all attached to the TV. We almost take it for granted. But this very communications system streams out far and ahead of us, touching all aspects of life, from the moment you wake until you again close your eyes. And even then, your house is surrounded with waves of wireless magic.

Eaglecrest Retirement Community

Back Row: Dennis & Janette Fulton and Regina Marcotte, Activity Coordinator

Front Row: Helen Fulton, Ruth Zier, Ed Fisher and Betty Lemley

Photo by KRJ

I met with four residents who shared how they perceive their “toys” of technology. Helen Fulton, 92, a retired minister’s wife, brought in her son Dennis and his wife Janette. “My husband was 75 when he first got involved with a computer for church needs. We did email, but we struggled putting our church bulletin together.” Dennis adds that “I’ve been in computer technology since the early days. We were missionaries in Africa. We used computers in Africa as early as 1982, utilizing programs in order to communicate over an HF radio to send emails back and forth, completely revolutionizing people’s lives. We were my parents’ cheerleaders; we knew how it would help them.”

Helen Fulton

Photo by KRJ

Eventually, Helen’s husband lost interest in computers, but then “Mom picked it up,” said Dennis.

Helen excitedly says “I play spider solitaire! But I do look things up, especially Dennis’ website, where he shares his church services; I get to hear him and see him preach every Sunday.” She admits that prior to computers communication while in Africa took several weeks to get letters, messages back and forth. “Today I get to see them [the children] on Facebook. My great-grandchildren are in California, Idaho and Georgia. I talk to everyone!”

Ruth Zier, 85, has received a tablet as a gift. “I Google. When I was at the Salina Journal, I used information for the obituaries. Most of my friends like Facebook and I use that to send pictures to friends.” She also wants to learn how to take the pictures and put them in a gallery.

Ed Fisher

Photo by KRJ

Resident Ed Fisher, 88, started working with computers in 1970, when they filled a room. He worked at John’s Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory as an Electronics Engineer in data processing, “…working with IBM cards and punch tape, which all evolved. In the 70’s I went to IBM PC’s, something practical, with its floppy 7” square discs.” Ed retired in 1992. He now uses two computers and a tablet. He links himself to sites for daily devotionals, professional organizations, and sites like Kim Commando, and maintains that security is a key element. “They look at your email list and pretty soon, hackers have harvested something from your computer.” He is very concerned that people should remain current with security for any technical device they utilize.

Betty Lemley

Photo by KRJ

Betty Lemley, 88, has a smart phone and an air iPad. “I’m delighted we have a computer class that we’ve started. I began with computers back in the ‘80’s and literally wore out two desk tops. I was a professional student and did a lot of articles for writing, articles for classes and history. I also do a lot of genealogy, gathering a lot of information for my family.”

All four residents maintain that it is very important that proprietary property be given to your children properly. Ed Fisher advises “Kids need to know how to shut down your systems. You will need to leave your passwords with someone, probably tucked into your estate matters, so that people who pay bills on line can have them properly shut down…later.”

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