Jump to content

Navigating senior years.

Donstar

By Donstar
in The Off-Topic Bar

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grumpy Bear Senior Enthusiast

Grumpy Bear

Posted
Posted (edited)

My wife forced upon me her old middle single digit I Phone retiring my compact flip so she could buy a double digit I Phone. My old phone was a phone and camera and did texting...period. My new phone allowed some applications to be added and I have, a few. It connected to my new car and provided maps, weather and a few widgets. I still carry paper maps, read the sky and enjoy the silence one seeks when plagued with tinnitus. Coolest feature of the new phone was a spam blocker that sort of added itself. Instead of dozens a day its two or three a month. Oh and voice to text which never sends what I said. :crackup:

 

Wife's phone added little practical features that I was interested in except a bit better picture quality and fewer dead zones although we have the same plan. That one is curious and yes, they tell me if I buy a new phone it will improve. It's not that big a problem to spend that kind of money on. 

 

Her work phone is Apples latest and greatest and has more bells a whistles that I could ever imagine useful. It is also in constant nonstop alert mode for one thing or another or updating this or that right when you need to use it. LOL 

 

My 2015 Chevy truck still has hand cranks and a CD player and while I have a tablet and landline I still use a very old PC with the newest software, firewalls and blockers. Works better than my phone. Bank in person too. It's two miles down the road and there's a great bar and grill next door. Can't get atmosphere delivered Door Dash. 😉 

 

I miss the simplicity of my 64 Malibu SS and mechanical tuner black and white Zenith TV and listening to Jack Benny and The Shadow on AM radio. 

 

Oh I like watching the games on Sunday on the new big screen but not real fond of the hundred a month to feed that pig. With a landline and no voice messaging, stay outdoors and there isn't any spam. 

 

Coolest gadget I've bought in the last 30 years is my Linear Logic Scan Gauge III

 

I find, in my case, the simpler the eye, the cheaper life is. Less stressful too. I'm good. 

 

 

Edited by Grumpy Bear
  • Like 1
  • Replies 1.1k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

customboss
customboss

Six hours since hip surgery and I’m feeling great with meds. I’m hoping to do a flying dropkick.    Update did it moments ago.  

txab
txab

I just heard from him. Today was PT day. Sore, some pain. His PT person is riding him hard and putting him up wet. 😆   bet he'll check in later today or tomorrow

KARNUT
KARNUT

My memory was my uncle telling me to hold on to the spark plug on the lawnmower while he pulled the rope. I never trusted him again. 

Posted Images

PhilB Enthusiast

PhilB

Posted
Posted

Better cell reception with newer cell phones on the 5G network.  Why?  Better hardware and better software.  Also with newer phones you get better security.  Talking about hackers here.  They exploit s/w issues, which is resolved by s/w updates.  But there are times the hackers will find a hardware issue to exploit.  Then it's game over.  They get your banking information, personal identifying information (PII), passwords, etc.  So getting a new phone that is only a few generations old is a good choice.  And like StingerZ says, you learn through the progressions of devices.  

 

Personally I don't do everything on my phone.  I like using a physical keyboard when I can.  I also have better security on my laptop to prevent malwares and such.  Many years ago I foolishly tried to download music from an unauthorized site, and my computer was infected.  Took me a couple of weeks to clean it all up.  This was early 2000s.  Lesson learned. 

  • Thanks 1
Atlas Senior Enthusiast

Atlas

Posted
Posted (edited)

My parents (mid 70's) began embracing technology in retirement almost 20 years ago. Back then I laid a few ground rules. If you want me to help support your devices and answer your tech questions, you will buy Apple devices only for phones and computers. That stuck.

 

When dad had a heart attack in ~2017, he embraced wearing an Apple Watch going forward for the fall protection / alert stuff. Since then it's gotten into alerting for potential abnormal heart rhythms, and he has that now. Still can't get my mom to wear one - mostly because she can't see or deal with screens that small (eyes and arthritis). But she probably needs it the most.

 

The biggest challenge has been keeping them safe in a digital world. Password management and having them practice good digital housekeeping in general. They don't know what they don't know about information security.

 

Tech is too much like work. My devices are serviceable but aren't the latest hardware. They get replaced with new hardware when it's time. I'm running a 3 year old laptop and my phone is old. Too old. I'll be upgrading shortly from an iPhone 12 pro to a 17. Apple still supports the 12 but it's basically EOL/ end of life.

 

There's a lot of fluff in technology these days. Features and IOT/Internet of Things that nobody really asked for. A good example is our refrigerator - it has an app. Our oven has an app. We don't use either app because they do nothing useful. A useful feature would be push notifications if the refrigerator temperature unexpectedly drops below its set temperature. It does not do that.

 

I refer to our EV as the "software car". It took a long time to learn and set everything up. It too requires device and software management. Too much like work.

 

I struggle with AI. Much like the internet eclipsed my parents, I'm at the age where AI could eclipse me. I implement AI functionality at work. Much of AI is junk. I have yet to find an actual use for myself, personally, but I push myself to continue learning and using things like ChatGPT and learning how to better prompt  and converse with AI to get better results.

 

AI is worth paying attention to.

Edited by Atlas
  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
PhilB Enthusiast

PhilB

Posted
Posted
8 minutes ago, Atlas said:

I struggle with AI. Much like the internet eclipsed my parents, I'm at the age where AI could eclipse me. I implement AI functionality at work. Much of AI is junk. I have yet to find an actual use for myself, personally, but I push myself to continue learning and using things like ChatGPT and learning how to better prompt  and converse with AI to get better results.

 

I'm staying away from AI as much as possible.  When you converse with AI, the conversation is out in the internet forever.  Don't need someone (DOGE comes to mind) mining that information and using it against me or stealing from me.  Paranoid?  Maybe a bit, but just being cautious.  

  • Thanks 2
KARNUT Senior Enthusiast

KARNUT

Posted
Posted

My wife just went through a password change. It’s amazing how many things have passwords. She keeps a notebook. My brother in law just bought a new TV. Part of its function requires downloading an app to his phone. He took it back. 

  • Thanks 1
customboss Senior Enthusiast

customboss

Posted
Posted
28 minutes ago, PhilB said:

 

I'm staying away from AI as much as possible.  When you converse with AI, the conversation is out in the internet forever.  Don't need someone (DOGE comes to mind) mining that information and using it against me or stealing from me.  Paranoid?  Maybe a bit, but just being cautious.  

They already are mining everything we do digitally. Sadly. 

customboss Senior Enthusiast

customboss

Posted
Posted
21 minutes ago, KARNUT said:

My wife just went through a password change. It’s amazing how many things have passwords. She keeps a notebook. My brother in law just bought a new TV. Part of its function requires downloading an app to his phone. He took it back. 

Get NordPass it’s worth it when you lose your marbles like me. Memory and notebooks not good enough anymore. Someone gets that notebook and you have connected banking retirement etc you are toast. 

  • Like 1
Atlas Senior Enthusiast

Atlas

Posted
Posted
44 minutes ago, PhilB said:

 

I'm staying away from AI as much as possible.  When you converse with AI, the conversation is out in the internet forever.  Don't need someone (DOGE comes to mind) mining that information and using it against me or stealing from me.  Paranoid?  Maybe a bit, but just being cautious.  

 

You are not wrong. Information security applies to AI just like it does PII and other sensitive information. You would not want to give AI services any information that you wouldn't mind broadcasting publicly.

 

But that doesn't mean AI services can't be used. For example, prompting it with questions to gather and provide a real estate market analysis for a particular area. Asking AI for cooking tips and recipes. Doing research for hobbies or other pursuits. It can be very useful without being exploitative.

  • Like 1
Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
  • Author
Posted

"Why would I want a smartphone?",  is a question that does prompt a chuckle.   It is unimaginable why anyone would choose to be without one.  The cartoon in the post above depicts many of the basic tasks a modern "phone"  does cheaper and more conveniently than previous technology.  The part I find funny is why we call it a phone.  I seldom use it to speak to anyone but I use this device frequently.  I still own a landline, a dedicated digital camera, a laptop, a desk calendar. a portable radio  a library card and look forward to our weekly newspaper!  Oh, and I lick my finger to check wind direction.  (Some may need to use their phone to find out why! 🙂 )  

  • Like 2
  • Haha 1
KARNUT Senior Enthusiast

KARNUT

Posted
Posted
3 hours ago, Donstar said:

"Why would I want a smartphone?",  is a question that does prompt a chuckle.   It is unimaginable why anyone would choose to be without one.  The cartoon in the post above depicts many of the basic tasks a modern "phone"  does cheaper and more conveniently than previous technology.  The part I find funny is why we call it a phone.  I seldom use it to speak to anyone but I use this device frequently.  I still own a landline, a dedicated digital camera, a laptop, a desk calendar. a portable radio  a library card and look forward to our weekly newspaper!  Oh, and I lick my finger to check wind direction.  (Some may need to use their phone to find out why! 🙂 )  

I like many people look at my phone before I get out of bed. That’s if I didn’t need it to wake me up with an alarm. I look at several news apps while waiting for my coffee. See if anyone has left me a text. Look at this website. At 8.00 I leave for my morning walk it hits Bluetooth with my morning podcast. If I’m going more than through town I’m using it for navigation. If I’m in the mood for music. I can hit several apps for that. I can open my garage door and start my car with my phone. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

  • Like 1
Atlas Senior Enthusiast

Atlas

Posted
Posted
5 hours ago, Donstar said:

The part I find funny is why we call it a phone.  I seldom use it to speak to anyone but I use this device frequently. 

 

Phone? Yeah, I think I still have an app for that somewhere on this device..

 

In reality I have many phone apps for work and other communications. One of the unfortunate parts of still being on the clock.

 

I'm older-millennial, and I particularly don't enjoy "talking on the phone". Need something, message me. If I don't pick up? Don't leave a voicemail, send a text instead, and why didn't you send a text in the first place.

 

Someone died? Message me and tell me we need to meet, or talk on the phone somewhere privately, that way I know it's serious and to make time/space. My parents drive me nuts in this regard. They still call - for everything - so every time I see one of their names pop up, they may just be calling to catch up, or make plans, or maybe someone died or is in the hospital. Ya just never know.

  • Like 2
  • Haha 1
Grumpy Bear Senior Enthusiast

Grumpy Bear

Posted
Posted
5 hours ago, Donstar said:

  (Some may need to use their phone to find out why! 🙂 )  

 

Point set and match. :rollin:. 

 

When I retired I removed my watch and got rid of the alarm by the bed. Calendars are everywhere. Dad had a rule when I was home. If a call takes more than three minutes then go meet face to face. We played baseball not Grand Thief Auto. Sun on the face not screen glow. 

 

 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
customboss Senior Enthusiast

customboss

Posted
Posted
10 minutes ago, Atlas said:

 

Phone? Yeah, I think I still have an app for that somewhere on this device..

 

In reality I have many phone apps for work and other communications. One of the unfortunate parts of still being on the clock.

 

I'm older-millennial, and I particularly don't enjoy "talking on the phone". Need something, message me. If I don't pick up? Don't leave a voicemail, send a text instead, and why didn't you send a text in the first place.

 

Someone died? Message me and tell me we need to meet, or talk on the phone somewhere privately, that way I know it's serious and to make time/space. My parents drive me nuts in this regard. They still call - for everything - so every time I see one of their names pop up, they may just be calling to catch up, or make plans, or maybe someone died or is in the hospital. Ya just never know.

You are my brothers age range and I drive him nuts. 

  • Haha 1

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.5k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    342,987
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    RSTRICK
    Newest Member
    RSTRICK
    Joined

  • Who's Online   6 Members, 0 Anonymous, 578 Guests (See full list)

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • calgator73
      Lesson relearned on basic diagnostics...

      By calgator73 · Posted

      Coming back from towing a car to my daughter in Nashville truck started making a screaming noise from underneath.  Pulled over placed in park and sure enough whining noise from underneath.  Dropped at the dealer fearing new tranny or another front pump/cover replacement.  Service writer said it sounded like the tranny too...  Well $300, new idler and a belt all is good.  Pop the hood and give a listen. lol  Now I'm telling dealers I'm no longer interested in a new truck.
    • newdude
      OIL CONSUMPTION

      By newdude · Posted

      HD uses the 6.6 gas.   Oil consumption while heavy working is considered normal.  1 quart per 100 gallons of fuel is the normal rate above 8600lbs GVWR.  If more than that, it is considered excessive.   They will have to perform an oil consumption test using the guidelines in TSB 03-06-01-023J.     Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal moving parts from wear including cylinder walls, pistons, and piston rings. When a piston moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the combustion process, part of this oil layer is consumed. As a result, varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines. Oil Consumption Oil usage has a direct relationship with the amount of fuel used. The harder an engine works, the more fuel and oil it will use. Therefore, oil usage as a factor of fuel usage is a more accurate indicator of acceptable oil consumption levels than vehicle mileage for vehicles at or above 8600 GVW. The accepted rate of oil consumption for gasoline engines in vehicles at or above 8600 GVW is 1 liter (1 qt) within 400 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used. This rate only applies to vehicles under warranty, maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, driven at legal speeds and within design intent of the vehicle. Many factors can affect an owner's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each case before deciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption. Gasket and External Leaks Inspect the oil pans, engine covers, and the engine oil cooler for leakage. Inspect for oil leakage into the engine coolant. Improper Reading of the Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick) The vehicle must be parked on a level surface to obtain accurate oil level readings. Verify that the dipstick tube is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level, make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level reading and fully depress the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick should be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle that is being checked. Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level The vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 15 minutes, after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading to assure the oil has had enough time to drain back into the crankcase. In order to ensure accurate results, the temperature of the oil should be close to the same temperature as the last time the oil level was checked. Improper Oil Fill After an Oil Change Following an oil change, verify that the proper amount and type of oil was put in the engine and that the oil level on the dipstick is not above the full mark or below the add marks. Refer to the Owner's Manual or Service Manual for information on recommended oil quantity, viscosity, and quality. High Speed or High RPM Driving Continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs may increase oil consumption. Because this may not always be an everyday occurrence, it is hard to determine exactly how much the oil economy will be affected. Towing or Heavy Usage Towing a trailer or hauling additional weight will increase oil consumption. Large frontal area trailers will further increase the work required from the engine, especially at highway speeds, and thus increases the rate of oil consumption. PTO Operation Operation of a PTO will increase fuel and oil usage, as the PTO driven accessory uses engine power to operate. Crankcase Ventilation System Verify that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly. Blockages, restrictions, or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil use. Oil Dilution from Condensation On vehicles that are usually driven short distances, less than 8 km (5 mi), especially in colder weather, condensation generated from cold engine operation may not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil. When this occurs, the dipstick may indicate that the oil level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of sufficient length to enable normal engine operating temperature for 30 minutes or more, in order to vaporize excess moisture, may give the customer the impression of excessive oil consumption. Engine Temperature If an engine is run at overheated temperatures (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual) for more than brief periods, oil will oxidize at a faster than normal rate. In addition, gaskets may distort, piston rings may stick, and excessive wear may result. Verify that all cooling system components are in proper working order. Engine Wear Piston scuffing, excessive piston-to-wall clearance, tapered or out of round cylinders, worn, damaged or improperly installed valve guides, seals and piston rings will all cause an increase in oil consumption. Measurement of Oil Consumption Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated. Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least 6400 km (4000 mi). An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported to be using more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 1600 km (1000 mi).   Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary. Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual). Park the vehicle on a level surface. Wait at least 15 minutes, after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that most of the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase. Check the oil level and record the vehicle mileage, date, and exact oil level on the form included in this bulletin. Next ensure the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick. add oil if necessary. Also ensure the proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner Manual Ask the customer once they have consumed 100 gallons of fuel schedule an appointment and return to the dealer for inspection. If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used, follow the published symptom diagnostics as described in the appropriate Service Manual. If the oil consumption test shows that the engine uses less than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used, explain to the customer that their engine meets the guidelines for oil consumption.  
    • RSTRICK
      OIL CONSUMPTION

      By RSTRICK · Posted

      I have a 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 with the 6.2 liter engine, Vin: 2GC4YME79R1273849, with 27,437 miles. Recently we took a trip from Candor, NY to Townsend, TN pulling our fifth wheel, when I got close to the Townsend, TN area The truck gave me a message of low oil. I checked the dip stick and found it was 2 quarts low. Today, August 27, 2026, I had the oil changed and the technician Found the truck was very low on oil.  Is there a Recall for this? What is my recourse for this issue? Do I call the dealer where I bought it or any chevy dealer?   Robert Strickland 292 Owego Road Candor, NY 13743 352-502-6588 [email protected]
    • GMCustomerService
      Parking Brake - Automatic Engagement Questions

      By GMCustomerService · Posted

      We understand the importance of understanding how your Sierra performs, @SoCal Angler. Our team would like to gather the proper details to assist you with your inquiry about your truck's automatic braking. When you have a moment, please visit: https://s.chevy.com/support-request and fill out the request form with pertinent details. This will ensure your request is routed correctly so we may take a further look. We will keep an eye out for your outreach.
    • Chuck FB
      first oil change - 2026 2500HD gas

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      That is the funnel kit I bought and for being here in Canada I did get a better deal than what other sources were charging through a certain supplier in town that sources more directly and they ordered it for me. There are other items now on the market which would be perfect as well but this has worked well which was the hope when I bought it. I mentioned the Amsoil quart bottles as they have that squarish shape up top and it props nicely on the rim of the opening without falling into the funnel so I can leave them sit and drip a bit. You may have already figured out that to get the cap off the valve cover unless one is 7 + feet tall its not going to be reached without standing on a step of some sort and so when I do that I put the right adapter in and just leave the elbow on the funnel all the time anyway and open the lid and then if using quart containers for sure I can stand beside the truck and leisurely add the oil, and I can leave that funnel on when starting the engine to let it idle to fill the filter and then add the rest of the oil to top it up before removing the funnel and putting the factory cap back on. I put the cap back on the top and slide the bottom cap on as it fits onto the elbow adapter also and then store the funnel in a clean household plastic garbage bag along with the adapter so I have no reason to be washing out the inside of the funnel as I keep it completely clean between uses.    Draining the oil as per the under the truck portion, yes indeed that is slick as someone was thinking on GM's part there and admittedly I don't drop the oil screaming hot in this truck due to the exhaust being there and makes it safer as far as the oil temp if its just warmed up some instead as I don't have the truck on any ramps etc as I do it as the tires sit on the garage floor. The filter is not boiling hot then either and can drop it off into another pail after pulling the drain plug and just leave it drip out. Go back under a few hours later with new filter in hand and clean off the filter base and put the new filter on and install the drain plug. The filter is a little cramped in there as per wrapping ones hand around the filter and I am so used to using the band style filter removal tool that its no big deal and same for snugging it up. My filter wrench is many years old now but I think this is the current version and sounds like the right size, just in case my explanation was not great ( those nylon strap wrenches that one tool fits all filters are not my favorite tool to use, I much prefer this style personally )     57020 Swivel Gripper - No Slip Filter Wrench - Small | Lisle Corporation   And again about the oil draining and filter setup under these GM trucks, I've watched Ford videos of them struggling with oil flying sideways out of the oil pan on the gas 7.3 due to the sideways drain plug onto other components or cross members and guys trying to make shields out of carboard etc and other Ford pickups that Ford insisted they have sideways drain plugs. One win for GM there anyway with this engine. 

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...