1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:16,520 Hello and welcome back to The Padded Room. 2 00:00:16,520 --> 00:00:17,760 I'm Margo. 3 00:00:17,760 --> 00:00:24,680 I'm here with Wayne and this is Talking Tech with Wayne, the podcast dedicated to discussing 4 00:00:24,680 --> 00:00:30,840 smartphones, smart homes, and everything in between. 5 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:38,080 This show is a promise of information freely given to all that seek it and that is a pact 6 00:00:38,080 --> 00:00:41,360 between us and all of you. 7 00:00:41,360 --> 00:00:53,160 Log into our website www.talking-tech.org all lowercase and click the Join the Discussion 8 00:00:53,160 --> 00:00:56,560 button to join the discussion. 9 00:00:56,560 --> 00:01:02,640 While you're there, you can check out TV shows or click the Schedule a call button 10 00:01:02,640 --> 00:01:10,280 to explore how to bring a Talking Tech discussion group to your local church or community center. 11 00:01:10,280 --> 00:01:17,560 We also have a helpline where trained technicians are ready to answer your questions 24-7 and 12 00:01:17,560 --> 00:01:22,000 best of all it's 100% free. 13 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:25,760 That number is 215-406-HELP. 14 00:01:25,760 --> 00:01:32,200 215-406-4357. 15 00:01:32,200 --> 00:01:39,640 Today we will discuss transportation tech for seniors and what are some of the benefits 16 00:01:39,640 --> 00:01:53,280 of ride sharing. 17 00:01:53,280 --> 00:01:58,960 That's right, ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft can be a great option for seniors 18 00:01:58,960 --> 00:02:15,640 who can no longer drive or don't want to deal with the hassle of owning a car. 19 00:02:15,640 --> 00:02:20,640 While it can be a more affordable and convenient alternative to traditional taxis or private 20 00:02:20,640 --> 00:02:27,720 car services, ride sharing also allows users to maintain independence and mobility without 21 00:02:27,720 --> 00:02:37,000 relying on friends or family for transportation. 22 00:02:37,000 --> 00:02:39,440 Wayne, that's great to hear. 23 00:02:39,440 --> 00:02:46,720 Are there any safety concerns listeners should know when using ride sharing services? 24 00:02:46,720 --> 00:02:50,800 Safety is always concerned when using any transportation service. 25 00:02:50,800 --> 00:02:58,520 This should use only reputable ride sharing companies and verify the driver's identity 26 00:02:58,520 --> 00:03:00,840 and car before getting in. 27 00:03:00,840 --> 00:03:05,760 They should also let a family member or friend know where they are going and when they can 28 00:03:05,760 --> 00:03:07,880 expect to return. 29 00:03:07,880 --> 00:03:15,320 Those are important safety tips and what about accessibility for seniors with mobility issues? 30 00:03:15,320 --> 00:03:23,400 Ride sharing services offer options for wheelchair accessibility and assistive devices. 31 00:03:23,400 --> 00:03:30,000 Seniors can also request drivers who are trained in assisting passengers with disabilities. 32 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:32,200 Wayne, that's good to know. 33 00:03:32,200 --> 00:03:37,680 Are there any tips for new listeners who use ride sharing services? 34 00:03:37,680 --> 00:03:42,960 Yes, they should familiarize themselves with the app and how it works before their first 35 00:03:42,960 --> 00:03:43,960 ride. 36 00:03:43,960 --> 00:03:49,400 They should also enter their destination correctly and double check the fare estimate before confirming 37 00:03:49,400 --> 00:03:50,720 the ride. 38 00:03:50,720 --> 00:03:56,320 Finally, they should rate their driver and report any issues or concerns to the ride 39 00:03:56,320 --> 00:03:58,160 sharing company. 40 00:03:58,160 --> 00:04:01,200 Those are helpful tips. 41 00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:07,920 In addition to ride sharing services, GPS navigation can also be useful for users who 42 00:04:07,920 --> 00:04:09,520 need help getting around. 43 00:04:09,520 --> 00:04:12,560 Wayne, can you tell us more about that? 44 00:04:12,560 --> 00:04:19,480 Sure, GPS navigation systems like Google Maps or Waze can help seniors navigate unfamiliar 45 00:04:19,480 --> 00:04:22,800 areas and find the quickest route to their destination. 46 00:04:22,800 --> 00:04:29,640 It can also provide real-time traffic updates and suggest alternate routes if there is a 47 00:04:29,640 --> 00:04:31,160 congestion. 48 00:04:31,160 --> 00:04:33,320 That sounds very helpful. 49 00:04:33,320 --> 00:04:40,120 And are there any specific GPS devices or apps you recommend for seniors? 50 00:04:40,120 --> 00:04:43,040 All GPS devices and apps are available. 51 00:04:43,040 --> 00:04:50,320 Still, I recommend choosing one that is user-friendly and has a large display for easy visibility. 52 00:04:50,320 --> 00:04:57,760 Some popular options include the Garmin Drive Smart and the Tom Tom Go navigation app. 53 00:04:57,760 --> 00:04:59,160 That's good to know. 54 00:04:59,160 --> 00:05:03,440 And what about voice-activated GPS systems, Wayne? 55 00:05:03,440 --> 00:05:08,480 Voice-activated GPS systems can be a great option for seniors with difficulty using touch 56 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:10,760 screens or small buttons. 57 00:05:10,760 --> 00:05:17,360 These systems allow users to input their destination and control the device using voice commands. 58 00:05:17,360 --> 00:05:20,720 That sounds like some good suggestions. 59 00:05:20,720 --> 00:05:25,560 Are there any other transportation tech options that our listeners should know about? 60 00:05:25,560 --> 00:05:32,600 Yes, there are several transportation tech options available, including electric bicycles 61 00:05:32,600 --> 00:05:34,720 and scooter sharing services. 62 00:05:34,720 --> 00:05:42,760 However, it's important to research these options to consider potential safety risks 63 00:05:42,760 --> 00:05:44,240 before using them. 64 00:05:44,240 --> 00:05:47,800 Wayne, thank you for sharing that information with us. 65 00:05:47,800 --> 00:05:53,600 It's great to know that so many transportation tech options are available for seniors to 66 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:56,560 stay mobile and independent. 67 00:05:56,560 --> 00:05:57,560 You're welcome. 68 00:05:57,560 --> 00:06:02,360 It's important to keep up with the new technology and explore all available options to improve 69 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:04,080 their quality of life. 70 00:06:04,080 --> 00:06:10,600 Besides those services and GPS, are there other transportation tech options? 71 00:06:10,600 --> 00:06:16,200 Yes, there are mobile apps that can be helpful for seniors who may have difficulty getting 72 00:06:16,200 --> 00:06:17,200 around. 73 00:06:17,200 --> 00:06:23,480 For example, apps like Uber and Lyft can be used to request a ride on demand. 74 00:06:23,480 --> 00:06:30,040 In contrast, transit apps like Transit and Moveit can provide real-time information on 75 00:06:30,040 --> 00:06:34,680 public transportation, schedules, and routes. 76 00:06:34,680 --> 00:06:36,000 That's great to know. 77 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:41,920 Wayne, are there any specific features of these apps that make them particularly useful 78 00:06:41,920 --> 00:06:44,720 for seniors? 79 00:06:44,720 --> 00:06:49,640 Many apps have features designed specifically for seniors, such as requesting assistance 80 00:06:49,640 --> 00:06:54,520 or notifying the driver of any special needs before the ride. 81 00:06:54,520 --> 00:07:00,680 Some apps also offer discounted rates for seniors or provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles. 82 00:07:00,680 --> 00:07:03,800 Now, that's very helpful. 83 00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:07,640 Are there any other mobile apps that you would recommend? 84 00:07:07,640 --> 00:07:09,080 Yes. 85 00:07:09,080 --> 00:07:15,720 Several apps can help folks with mobility, including MedStar, which helps seniors find 86 00:07:15,720 --> 00:07:21,960 nearby medical transportation services, and GoGo Grandparent, which allows seniors to request 87 00:07:21,960 --> 00:07:27,160 rides over the phone if they don't have a smartphone. 88 00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:30,440 That sounds like great resources. 89 00:07:30,440 --> 00:07:35,160 Is there anything else that our listeners should remember when using transportation 90 00:07:35,160 --> 00:07:37,320 tech? 91 00:07:37,320 --> 00:07:42,680 It's important for users to always prioritize their safety when using transportation tech. 92 00:07:42,680 --> 00:07:48,200 They should consider reputable companies with good safety records, always wear seatbelts, 93 00:07:48,200 --> 00:07:52,920 and follow any safety guidelines the app or service provides. 94 00:07:52,920 --> 00:08:02,600 Sharing their ride details with a family or friend for added security is also a good idea. 95 00:08:02,600 --> 00:08:05,440 Thank you for sharing those tips with us. 96 00:08:05,440 --> 00:08:11,080 Seniors need to stay safe and informed when using technology for transportation. 97 00:08:11,080 --> 00:08:12,680 Yes. 98 00:08:12,680 --> 00:08:18,200 There are also smart car features that can be useful for listeners who are still driving, 99 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:24,040 such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and backup cameras. 100 00:08:24,040 --> 00:08:31,400 These features can help users stay safe on the road and avoid accidents. 101 00:08:31,400 --> 00:08:32,600 That's a great point. 102 00:08:32,600 --> 00:08:40,680 Wayne, are there any other smart car features that are particularly useful for seniors? 103 00:08:40,680 --> 00:08:47,040 Some cars now come with voice activated controls that can be helpful for those who may have 104 00:08:47,040 --> 00:08:49,840 difficulty with manual controls. 105 00:08:49,840 --> 00:08:55,080 For example, they can use voice control to adjust the temperature or volume or to make 106 00:08:55,080 --> 00:08:58,000 a hands free call. 107 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:00,080 That's really interesting. 108 00:09:00,080 --> 00:09:05,160 And are there any other smart car features that can benefit seniors? 109 00:09:05,160 --> 00:09:12,120 Yes, some cars now come with built in navigation systems that can provide real time traffic 110 00:09:12,120 --> 00:09:17,720 updates and alternate routes, which can be helpful for users who may have difficulty 111 00:09:17,720 --> 00:09:21,640 reading maps or navigating unfamiliar areas. 112 00:09:21,640 --> 00:09:27,320 Additionally, some cars now have automatic emergency braking systems which can help 113 00:09:27,320 --> 00:09:33,240 prevent accidents by automatically applying the brakes if a collision is imminent. 114 00:09:33,240 --> 00:09:35,120 Wow. 115 00:09:35,120 --> 00:09:37,120 Those are some great features. 116 00:09:37,120 --> 00:09:43,720 It's amazing how technology makes driving safer and more accessible for folks. 117 00:09:43,720 --> 00:09:46,240 Yes, it's really impressive. 118 00:09:46,240 --> 00:09:50,880 And as technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovations that will 119 00:09:50,880 --> 00:09:56,440 benefit seniors and improve their quality of life. 120 00:09:56,440 --> 00:10:00,000 Thank you for sharing that information with us, Wayne. 121 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:05,280 Senators need to be aware of these smart car features and how they can make driving safer 122 00:10:05,280 --> 00:10:07,080 and more convenient. 123 00:10:07,080 --> 00:10:13,240 Yes, smart traffic alert and information can be helpful for listeners who may have difficulty 124 00:10:13,240 --> 00:10:18,560 navigating heavy traffic or unfamiliar areas. 125 00:10:18,560 --> 00:10:20,680 That's really useful. 126 00:10:20,680 --> 00:10:27,520 Are there any other smart transportation features that listeners should be aware of? 127 00:10:27,520 --> 00:10:33,080 Some cars now come equipped with real time traffic updates and alerts, which can help 128 00:10:33,080 --> 00:10:39,320 drivers avoid congestion and find the fastest route to their destination. 129 00:10:39,320 --> 00:10:43,240 Now that's really innovative. 130 00:10:43,240 --> 00:10:49,720 It's great to see technology being used to improve transportation options for seniors. 131 00:10:49,720 --> 00:10:55,640 Yes, some cities are now implementing smart transportation systems that can provide seniors 132 00:10:55,640 --> 00:10:58,520 with on demand transportation services. 133 00:10:58,520 --> 00:11:05,520 For example, some cities have partnered with ride sharing companies to offer seniors discounted 134 00:11:05,520 --> 00:11:11,240 rides to doctor's appointments or other important destinations. 135 00:11:11,240 --> 00:11:16,400 Additionally, some cities have also implemented shuttle services to pick up seniors from their 136 00:11:16,400 --> 00:11:21,080 homes and take them grocery shopping or other destinations. 137 00:11:21,080 --> 00:11:23,080 Absolutely. 138 00:11:23,080 --> 00:11:29,040 As with all of the information we share here, flex your Google search muscles and log into 139 00:11:29,040 --> 00:11:38,280 our website, www.talking-tech.org, or call our helpline. 140 00:11:38,280 --> 00:11:42,680 And that number is 215-406-HELP. 141 00:11:42,680 --> 00:11:46,680 That's 215-406-4357. 142 00:11:46,680 --> 00:11:51,880 Well, I see that's all the time I have for today. 143 00:11:51,880 --> 00:11:56,640 It has been my pleasure to be here, and I look forward to the next time we can do it 144 00:11:56,640 --> 00:11:57,640 again. 145 00:11:57,640 --> 00:12:01,640 I wish you all a farewell. 146 00:12:01,640 --> 00:12:08,120 Talking Tech with Wayne podcast was produced by Grey Geek Productions, hosted by Margo 147 00:12:08,120 --> 00:12:11,120 Jones and Wayne Hunter. 148 00:12:11,120 --> 00:12:22,560 It was Transparser Blue Jazz by Steppen Cartonburg.