Why 84 is the Best Age for a Tech Upgrade

The Digital Librarian: Why 84 is the Best Age for a Tech Upgrade

They often say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But after 84 years on this planet and a long career navigating professional complexities, I’ve come to realize that "new tricks" aren't just for the young—they are the secret sauce for those of us in the "pro-seasoned" stage of life.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about my relationship with my computer. I’m what they call "computer literate," which is a polite way of saying I don’t need to call my nephew Steve every time a dialogue box pops up. But it’s more than just survival; it’s about leverage.

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The Brain as a Library

At this age, my brain is a massive, sprawling library. It’s packed with historical trivia about Ottawa, the nuances of estate law, the mechanics of a 1950s fax machine, and the exact weight of a curling stone. The information is all there, but sometimes the "librarian" (my processing speed) takes a little longer to walk down the aisles.

This is where technology—specifically things like text expansion software—changes the game.

The Text Expander Advantage

I’ve started using tools like ActiveWords. For the uninitiated, it’s a bit of digital magic. I type a short trigger—maybe "esm"—and instantly, a perfectly crafted paragraph about the Executor Support Group appears. It’s not "cheating"; it’s efficiency.

In my previous professional life, I might have had a team to help manage the flow of information. Now, I have software. It allows me to:

• Maintain my "Craft": Whether I’m drafting a post for thegubblog or a letter to a beneficiary, I can move at the speed of my thoughts, not the speed of my fingers.

• Bridge the Gap: Technology shouldn't be a barrier that isolates us; it should be the bridge that keeps us in the conversation.

• Organize the Chaos: When you're managing a community of 1,100 people, you need a digital filing cabinet that doesn't require bending over.

The Pondering Point

We often frame technology as a young person’s game—a world of TikToks and rapid-fire emojis. But I would argue that technology is actually most valuable to the seasoned mind.

A 20-year-old uses a computer to build their library. At 84, I use it to index mine. It turns a fading memory into a searchable database and a steady hand into a precise instrument of communication.

So, here is my ponder for the day: If technology is the "Digital Librarian" of our later years, are we giving it the right tools to work with? Or are we still trying to find our books in the dark?