Living overseas in the Middle East can be an exciting adventure, especially for those over 50 embracing new cultures and experiences. However, staying connected with loved ones back home is crucial to maintaining emotional well-being and staying updated with family and friends. Fortunately, technology makes this easier than ever. Here’s how you can stay tech-savvy and keep those connections strong. Like most over 50 we're having to keep our wits about us trying to keep up with all the latest gadgetry. Our younger generations are now growing up with tech from the day they are born unlike us who have had to re-learn ways to connect. The ideas of writing a letter, popping a stamp on the envelope and posting it in a letter box are all but gone due to emails and other routes to connect. In this blog, we explore the many ways to get and stay connected (if you want to of course, if not then don't read any further ha ha). The old-fashioned ways of fax and letters are slowly but surely fizzling out but that doesn't mean you can't explore the various routes to stay connected.
Embrace Video Calling
Video calling apps Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime are indispensable for staying connected with loved ones. The COVID era certainly threw a lot of into this very quickly and we feel that this way of connecting is still strong and of course, it's great to actually "see" someone as well as hear them. So a win-win situation. These routes allow face-to-face conversations, making the distance feel smaller.
Here’s how to make the most of them:
Schedule Regular Calls: Set up regular video call times to catch up with family and friends. Consistency helps maintain strong connections, try to encourage family and friends to make regular diary dates with you, it gives everyone something to look forward to. Special occasions for example birthdays for grandkids, a graduation in the family, Eid holidays or Divali are all great excuses to get calling.
Create Virtual Gatherings: Host virtual family gatherings, celebrations, or even weekly coffee chats. It’s a great way to stay involved in each other’s lives.
Use Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are excellent tools for staying connected. Although they can sometimes be frowned upon as imposing and information overload, you don't have to check in daily, you can make an account, make friends with family and close friends and keep in touch, watch what others are doing as they post photos, videos and experiences to their "feeds" and it keeps you connected. If you are unsure how to set an account up there's always a friend or family member keen to get you started.
Share Your Experiences: Post pictures and updates about your life in the Middle East. It’s a fun way to keep everyone in the loop, it keeps you engaged with how your days are going and also reassures loved ones that you are safe and well.
Engage with Loved Ones: Like, comment, and interact with posts from family and friends to show you care and stay engaged,
Messaging Apps
Messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram offer instant communication:
Group Chats: Create family or friend group chats to instantly share updates, photos, and videos, Whatsapp is great for doing this.
Voice Messages: Sometimes, a voice message can convey more warmth and emotion than a text.
Online Games and Activities
I bet this is one you didn't think of, playing online games or participating in virtual activities can be a fun way to bond. It also keeps your brain very active and also helps keep your hands and responses well-oiled by using your hand/eye coordination in tune and from ensuring you don't go rusty and slow down too. Try it, you will be surprised how much fun it is.
Online Games: Play games like Words with Friends, chess, or multiplayer card games with your loved ones. With the age of the internet playing online games means you can play with friends and family in another country or neighbourhood without even seeing them. Another great way to stay connected that you may not even have thought about :)
Virtual Book Clubs or Movie Nights: Start a virtual book club or sync up movie nights where you watch the same film and discuss it afterwards. Explore the many Apps out there either on your laptop or smart phone.
Stay Updated with Technology
This we feel is an important one, with the speed of tech development, it is easy to get left behind with the latest updates, software and innovative things out there. It all can seem very overwhelming but trust us with a little digging on Google and our favourite YouTube you can learn a learn from the youngsters on how to do things. YouTube has some amazing channels encouraging all ages to keep up to date, learn new software and give you ideas on how to stay connected. Staying tech-savvy requires a willingness to learn and adapt, so embrace the changes as inevitably they are always for the better.
Take Online Courses:
You are never too old to keep learning, scientists have proven that if you keep your mind active learning new things and engaging with new ideas and activities you are more likely to have better mental health and stay bodily healthy too, not stagnating and just waiting for the final day of life. Learn, practice, embrace and most of all enjoy the learning experience whatever the topic you choose. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and even YouTube offer tutorials on using various technologies. Prices vary, if you Google you can even find lots of freebie courses too. Take your pick.
Join Local Tech Groups:
Back to our old friend Google, search for "Tech groups in my area" Look for community groups or clubs that offer tech lessons or workshops. It's not just us silver citizens who need to keep up with the tech, all ages benefit from these groups and support networks. A great way to make new friends with a common interest to keep on top of things.
Invest in Reliable Gadgets
Having reliable technology is crucial:
Smartphones and Tablets: Ensure you have a good-quality smartphone or tablet that supports video calls and apps. Before you buy ask the shop assistant for certain that the gadget meets your needs, not all gadgets do all things.
Internet Connection: Invest in a reliable internet connection. Consider portable Wi-Fi devices if you travel frequently within the region, go to coffee shops and shopping malls where often there is free internet connection when out and about. Look on your mobile under "networks" and look for networks that are not locked or are encouraging you to connect for example "Central Mall Network" whilst in a shopping mall this will be the mall's guest network. Although never do anything on these free connection that is security sensitive for example checking your bank account or making payments. These networks are usually not secure. Keep these types of transactions and searching for when at home or on your own mobile network.
Explore Local Tech Resources
The Middle East has a growing tech scene:
Local Tech Support: Utilise local tech support services if you need help setting up devices or troubleshooting issues. Most telecommunications shops selling phone, tablets and laptops etc will have friendly staff more than happy to get you set up.
Tech Meetups: Attend local tech meetups or community events to learn about new technologies and make friends with similar interests. A good example is Apple, if you have an iPhone or MacBook for example they often have free educational groups you can attend, and check social media accounts for such events.
Maintain Cybersecurity
Staying safe online is paramount:
Secure Your Devices: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. If a device is asking you to secure it follow the instructions, if you are unsure, ask a friend, or family member or visit a telecom store for support. As said earlier these guys in the shops are always happy to help.
Be Aware of Scams: Be cautious of phishing scams and unknown links. Educate yourself on common online threats. This is a big one to understand and we will be doing another blog on this in more details. It is an area that you should be aware of. The number one rule is never click a link in an email from someone you don't know or were not expecting an email from. Do not buy online from unknown sources, better to stick to Amazon and Ebay for shopping and known high street online stores. Never give you PIN to anyone over the phone or on email, ever!
Share Cultural Experiences
Sharing your experiences living in the Middle East can be enriching for your loved ones back home:
Blogs and Vlogs: Start a blog or vlog to document your experiences. It’s a wonderful way to share your journey and stay creative. I started this blog as I wanted to show friends and family that we are doing OK out here in the Middle East, we are embracing our senior years and enjoying both the challenges and positives of being here. It keeps my brain active thinking about what to write, how to share it and hoping that if only one person reads it, it is worthwhile :)
Cultural Exchange: Share insights about the culture, cuisine, and traditions you encounter. It can be an enlightening experience for everyone involved.
My Conclusion
Staying tech-savvy and connected while living overseas in the Middle East is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding. By embracing modern technology, staying engaged on social media, and keeping communication lines open through various apps, you can maintain strong connections with your loved ones and friends. Invest in good tech, stay safe online, and share your amazing experiences to make the most of your time abroad. Life overseas can be an exciting chapter, and staying connected with those who matter most will make it even more fulfilling.
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