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Location:
Silicon Valley, California
School:
Norwood HS '64: Northeastern University BSEE: Rutgers University MSCS
Hometown(s):
Norwood MA, York Beach Maine, Nashua NH, Claremont NH, Quakertown NJ, Kauai HI
My Websites:
www.smartsilvers.com
Quote:
Aging is not 'lost youth' but a new stage of opportunity and strength ... quote by Betty Friedan

About Me

Susan Ayers Walker is a leading edge boomer, and a freelance technology journalist. Her articles have appeared in AARP, ACM, EETimes, MIT Insider, American Society on Aging Newsletter and other industry journals. She is a nationally known speaker; she has appeared on NBC, and CBS, and participated in a variety of radio talk shows. She co-founder of the SmartSilvers Alliance with a mission to foster the application of technology into the home that will assist our independance and decision making as we age. In Silicon Valley she co-produces the BoomerTech Series of technology panels and roundtables that focuses on the consumer, technology and healthcare applications.

Interests:
Gadgets, Skiiing, quilting, sport cars racing

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My Journals (10)

The cell phone has become an essential communications tool; a bit of insurance when we need it. Yet there are many who do not carry a cell phone.  Perhaps because cell phones are complex ,  small, easy to lose, a nuisance, too expensive or  too few people to call.

However, the cell phone is a personal safety device, especially if you live alone or a distance from family members. A cell phone may be the most valuable item in your pocket if a sudden need arises.  Public pay phones are not an option, they have all but disappeared from the landscape .

If you or someone you know is reluctant, here are ten good reasons to carry a cell phone. 

1  Weather and Acts of Nature – Many of us live in parts of the country where a sudden earthquake or tornado could happen without warning.  Then there are the other acts of nature that result in evacuation such as hurricanes, fires, blizzards, ice storms, flooding, landslides, or a prolonged power outage.  A cell phone is important to get help or to let someone know your location and your level of safety.

2. Travel Safety – We love to travel; by car, RV, ship, train, plane or bus.  It is a good idea to let a family member or friend know where you are and where you are going next or  when you plan to arrive.  While you are away, a friend or family member can contact you if there is a problem with your home, a pet or with another family member.

3. Traffic Problems – No matter how well we plan we can run into traffic jams that cause us to be late for that doctor’s appointment, dinner reservation, or a party.  A cell phone is handy to alert your destination of a new arrival time. 

4. Accidents Happen – When we least expect it.  Most are minor, but as we age, we are more prone to falling.  A simple fall on a slippery surface may not be just an embarrassment, but a call for help from a cell phone, especially if no one sees you fall.   If you drive, an auto accident ,  empty gas tank or that flat tire always seems to happen in the middle of a rainstorm – a cell phone is invaluable to summon police or a tow truck.

5. Good Samaritan --  We have all been in a situation when we wished the police were nearby  to report a drunk driver, help for a lost child, see smoke or witness an accident.  We can be of aid to another person, as a Good Samaritan, to summon assistance for others.

6.  911 -- This is the most important reason to have a cell phone in an emergency.   Soon all phones will have location-based technology , GPS that will dispatch help to you quickly without you having to know your exact address. 
 
7. Staying in touch with Family – A  cell phone makes you accessible when you are needed. Perhaps  it is a grandchild or a close friend who really needs your help or someone who needs to hear your reassuring voice or a bit of wisdom in a pinch.

 8. Finding your way if you are lost – We are at an intersection without a map; is our destination a left or a right turn?   There is no one around to ask. A quick call will get us on our way.

9  Check a schedule – You have dropped off car for repair and are told to come back in one hour.  We all know that hour can stretch on longer.  A phone is handy to be able to check on the schedule so we can adjust our activities to fill the time productively.

10. ICE  – Don’t forget to program your cell phone with one or two “ICE” numbers ,  these are your “In Case of Emergency” numbers. ICE numbers are a powerful aid to police or emergency personal assisting you in an emergency. In the event that you are carrying your cell phone and you are non-responsive, the emergency personal can locate and dial your ICE contacts.   On your cell phone, just program in ICE-1, and ICE-2  and the phone number,  These ICE contacts may be critical in helping emergency personal access enough medical information about you to save your life. 
 

Added: May 15, 2008
Views: 38 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
MATILDA says:
Thank you for sharing you knowledge and wisdom on 411 text messaging. Is it possible to recieve message in the jungle of Honduras, Mexico or any part of the world? Where do i plug in ? Yours in CHRIST Rudy
Posted: May 11, 2008 9:24PM EDT
smartsilvers says:
Only if your cell phone works in that country. Your phone is set-up for the US and Canada. Honduras and Mexico might be OK. Call your carrier (Verizon, TMobile, Sprint etc) and ask them if your phone will work in that country.
Posted: May 11, 2008 10:46PM EDT
LsuEduMsn says:
You Look Like A Smart Rocking Rocker.
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