Yes, You Still Need Tech
A few months after I retired, I found myself staring at my task manager—the same one I’d used for years to juggle client deadlines, meetings, and projects. It was nearly empty. That’s when it hit me: I didn’t need this anymore.
Do retirees have a need for tech?
The knee-jerk response might be to say no, that there’s no need for apps in retirement, but that’s short-sighted.
Just because you stop working full-time doesn’t mean you stop living your life or have no need for apps.
The type of tech that you need depends on what you do in retirement.
The goal is to use tech to improve your life, and there are ways that tech can improve life for retirees.
Declutter Your Digital Life
Just as it’s wise to declutter your physical possessions when you retire, it’s also useful to declutter your digital possessions.
The goal is to simplify your tech stack and, hopefully, reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary software subscriptions.
Simplifying your tech isn’t just about saving money. It’s about clearing away the noise so you can focus on what actually matters in this season of life.
You may find you no longer need the full-featured apps you used while working and can simplify your setup. The golden rule, as far as app use is concerned, is to have as much complexity as you need, but no more.
For example, you may have needed a complex task manager like OmniFocus to manage your tasks while you were working. But now that you no longer work, you no longer need that level of complexity and can move to something simpler.
Many people find that Microsoft Office is a necessity when working in the business world. But once they retire, they no longer need it and can replace it with free Apple productivity apps like Pages, Keynote, and Numbers.
You can also declutter by unsubscribing from work-related newsletters and deleting apps you no longer need.
If you use an Apple device such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, there are many free apps built in. They typically don’t have as many advanced features as some third-party apps, but many retirees find they meet their needs.
Since retiring, I’ve switched to using Apple Calendar, Apple Reminders (task manager), Apple Pages (word processor), and Apple Notes. I’ve saved money by cancelling app subscriptions.
Eight Ways Tech Supports Retirement
There are several different areas where retirees can effectively use tech. What you actually use is up to personal preference and needs.
For instance, I do a lot of writing in my retirement, so I use specialized apps and tools that fit my workflow. But if you’re not doing that kind of work, then you probably don’t need those same apps.
1. Stay Organized
As a retiree, you will still need a calendar to schedule appointments, trips, and other events. My calendar, Apple Calendar, is set up to show my events, my wife’s events, and our joint events. Since we have one car, it’s important for us to know each other’s schedules.
Unfortunately, tasks don’t stop when you retire. So you’ll likely still need a simple task manager.
I use a fairly simple task manager, Apple Reminders, to remind me to water the plants twice a week, take and record my blood pressure every three days, keep a list of groceries I need to buy, and more.
2. Stay Connected
Many families use social media as a primary means of staying in touch. You may need to install apps for Instagram, Facebook, or whatever your family uses.
Video calling is an excellent way to stay connected with family, grandkids, and friends. I find I have a much more enjoyable conversation when I have visual cues on a video call (which are missing on a phone call).
Email and text are also communication tools you will probably continue to need after you retire.
3. Capture and Store Information
A notes app can be used to keep digital copies of your bills, tax documents, insurance documents, or personal notes, such as medication lists and other personal information. I use the Finder in Apple iCloud, the Apple Notes app, and also the NotePlan app.
An app like Simple Scan can easily scan documents using your phone’s camera. I use it to scan receipts, Medicare benefits summaries, and anything I want to save in a digital format.
4. Track Your Health
As we age, we can forget to take our medication. There are apps that will remind you to take your medication when it’s due, such as the one built into the Apple Health App.
There are also apps to track your exercise. I use the Workout app on my iPhone and on my Apple Watch.
I also use Apple Pages, a word processing program, to track my weight once a week and my blood pressure every three days.
5. Tame Password Chaos
Password management is an often-overlooked but important area for retirees.
Retirees have typically accumulated decades of online accounts and often struggle with password chaos. A password manager simplifies life significantly. I use the built-in free Apple Passwords app.
6. Preserve Your Memories
Photos and memories are important. Many retirees have years of digital photos scattered across devices.
Since we use Apple devices, we use the built-in Photos app to collect and view our photos and do basic editing. Using Apple iCloud, all our photos are in one place and sync to all our devices.
7. Feed Your Curiosity
You can listen to podcasts or audiobooks using apps on your phone, iPad, or computer. Streaming services like Apple TV or Netflix can give you access to movies and series for entertainment.
You can also use the Kindle app or other book apps on your digital devices to read books and magazines. There are many advantages for older eyes when reading on a digital device compared to a paper book, such as the ability to increase the font size and the built-in lighting.
If you want to learn something new, there are apps that offer educational materials and online courses. YouTube has videos on just about any topic imaginable.
8. Manage Your Money
For years now, my wife and I have had a checking account with a bank that has no local offices. We’re totally dependent on banking apps and their websites to transfer and deposit funds. We also use their app set up automatic bill payments.
There are also financial tools for budgeting. My wife and I use Apple Numbers to create a budget and track our expenses and income each month.
Start Your Tech Declutter
You don’t have to overhaul everything at once.
This week, pick one app you haven’t used in months. Delete it.
Next week, pick another.
One app at a time, you’ll build a tech stack that serves your retirement instead of complicating it.
AI Note: I wrote this blog post myself, using my own words and thoughts for the initial draft. I used AI only to suggest headlines, section headings, images, and text improvements.
Links to product pages on Amazon include a referral code, which pays me a small percentage of the sale when products are purchased. This helps to defray some of the costs of running this site. I strive to only include links to products I believe are worth buying.