What technology can actually do for staying active
Technology works best for staying active when it removes friction from the things you already want to do — walking, learning, connecting with people, or pursuing a hobby. A fitness tracker tells you how many steps you took today. A video call lets you teach your grandchild to cook. A tablet loaded with library books means you can read without leaving your chair. None of these require you to become "tech-savvy" first; they work because they make the activity itself easier, not because the technology is clever.
The goal is not to spend more time on screens. It is to use screens as a tool to do more of what matters to you — whether that is walking a route you have never tried, joining a book club that meets online, or learning woodworking from someone across the country. The technology disappears once you know how to use it. You stop thinking about the device and start thinking about the activity.
Key Takeaways
- Fitness trackers and smartwatches show you daily steps and activity levels without requiring you to log anything manually.
- Video calling apps like Zoom and FaceTime let you join classes, attend events, or spend time with family without leaving home.
- Tablets and e-readers give you access to thousands of books, newspapers, and magazines through your library card at no extra cost.
- Online communities and forums connect you with people who share your interests, from gardening to history to gaming.
- Smartphones and computers can be set up with larger text, voice commands, and simplified layouts so you do not have to struggle with small buttons.
Wearable devices that track movement without extra effort
A fitness tracker or smartwatch sits on your wrist and counts steps, distance, and sometimes heart rate throughout the day. You do not have to do anything — it works while you walk to the mailbox, garden, or go to the store. At the end of the day, you can see on your phone or computer how active you were. Many people find this motivating: seeing that you walked 6,000 steps yesterday makes it easier to aim for 7,000 today.
Common devices include the Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin. They range from $50 to $400 depending on features. You do not need the most expensive model. A basic tracker that counts steps and syncs to your phone is enough for most people. Many also send reminders to stand up and move if you have been sitting too long — a gentle nudge that works better than willpower alone.
Some smartwatches also let you answer calls, read messages, or control music without pulling out your phone. If you have arthritis or vision problems, this can make a real difference. The watch does the work your hands or eyes would normally do.
Video calls and online classes that bring activities to you
Video calling through Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet lets you join a class, attend a lecture, or spend time with family without traveling. Many libraries, senior centers, and community colleges now offer free or low-cost online classes in everything from painting to history to tai chi. You sit at home with your computer or tablet, and an instructor teaches you live. You can ask questions, see other people taking the class, and learn something new without the cost or effort of driving somewhere.
These platforms are free to use. You need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone — most devices made in the last five years have both built in. Someone at your library or senior center can walk you through joining a class the first time. After that, it becomes routine.
Video calls also let you spend time with grandchildren, siblings, or friends who live far away. You see their face and hear their voice in real time. Many families schedule a weekly call at the same time so everyone knows when to expect it.
Reading and learning through tablets and e-readers
A tablet (like an iPad) or e-reader (like a Kindle or Kobo) gives you access to thousands of books, newspapers, and magazines. Most public libraries let you borrow e-books and audiobooks for free using an app called Libby or OverDrive. You search for a title on your device, borrow it when ready, and it appears on your screen. No trip to the library, no late fees, no physical books to carry.
E-readers have a major advantage: you can make the text as large as you want. If regular books are hard to read, an e-reader lets you increase the font size until it is comfortable. You can also adjust the brightness, change the background color, or switch to a font that is easier on your eyes. A tablet does the same thing and also lets you watch videos, video call, or browse the web.
Audiobooks are another option. You listen to a narrator read the book aloud while you walk, cook, or do other tasks. Many people find this more engaging than reading, and it keeps your mind active while your body moves.
Online communities where you can connect over shared interests
Forums, Facebook groups, and websites dedicated to hobbies or interests connect you with people who care about the same things you do. If you love gardening, there are dozens of online communities where people share photos of their plants, ask for information, and celebrate successes. If you are interested in history, genealogy, woodworking, cooking, or gaming, you will find communities of people doing the same thing.
These communities are usually free to join. You create an account, introduce yourself, and start reading what others have posted. You can ask questions, share your own photos or stories, or just follow along and learn. The pace is yours — you can check in once a week or every day. Many people find that being part of a community around a shared interest makes the activity itself more rewarding.
Some communities are moderated by volunteers who keep conversations respectful and on topic. If you are new to online communities, start with one that is small and focused on something you care about. It is easier to get comfortable in a group of 500 people talking about birdwatching than in a group of 50,000 talking about everything.
Making devices easier to use if you have vision or mobility challenges
If you have arthritis, low vision, or hearing loss, most devices can be adjusted to work better for you. Smartphones and tablets have built-in settings that make text larger, add voice commands so you can control the device by talking, or simplify the home screen so there are fewer buttons to tap. Computers have similar options.
On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Accessibility. On an Android phone, go to Settings > Accessibility. On a Windows computer, go to Settings > Ease of Access. These menus let you turn on features like larger text, high contrast colors, voice control, or a simplified layout. You do not need to buy special equipment — these tools are already in your device.
If you have hearing loss, you can turn on captions for videos. If you have low vision, you can use a screen magnifier that enlarges everything on your screen. If you have trouble with fine motor control, you can use voice commands to open apps, send messages, or search the web without touching the screen. A librarian or tech support person at your senior center can show you where these settings are and help you turn them on.
Starting small and building confidence with one activity at a time
The biggest mistake people make is trying to learn everything at once. Pick one thing you actually want to do — maybe it is video calling your grandchild, or reading books on a tablet, or joining a gardening forum. Learn that one thing well. Once it feels natural, add something else.
Ask for help from someone you trust — a family member, a librarian, or a volunteer at your senior center. Tell them what you want to do, and ask them to show you step by step. Write down the steps or take photos of the screen so you can refer back to them. The first time is always the hardest. The second time is easier. By the third time, you will not have to think about it.
Many senior centers, libraries, and community colleges offer free classes on technology basics. These classes are taught by people who understand that not everyone grew up with computers, and they move at a pace that works for older adults. A one-hour class can save you weeks of frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be good with technology to use a fitness tracker?
No. A fitness tracker works automatically — you put it on your wrist and it counts your steps. You check the results on your phone or computer, but the device does the work. If you can turn on a phone, you can use a fitness tracker.
What if I do not have a computer or tablet?
Many libraries let you borrow tablets or use computers for free. You can also use a smartphone to do most of these activities — video call, read books, join communities, or watch classes. A smartphone is less expensive than a tablet and fits in your pocket.
Is it safe to join online communities?
Most communities moderated by volunteers or organizations are safe. Start with communities run by libraries, senior centers, or established organizations. Use a username instead of your real name if you want privacy. Do not share your address, phone number, or financial information with people you do not know.
Can I take an online class if I have never used video calling before?
Yes. Ask the instructor or the organization running the class to send you instructions ahead of time. Many send a practice link so you can test your camera and microphone before the class starts. You can also arrive early and ask the instructor for help getting set up.
What if the text on my device is too small and I cannot read it?
Go to your device settings and look for "Text Size," "Display," or "Accessibility." You can usually make text much larger without buying anything new. If you need more help, ask at your library or senior center — they can show you exactly where to find these settings on your device.