“May I have your attention please.”
I remember when that statement really caught your attention. Today with all the social media alerts, text messages and streaming services it seems our attention is easily distracted by the next “big” thing to come across our screens. Perhaps I am just old-fashioned, but I still enjoy using my phone for what it was invented for: talking to people! Yes, I know it might be easier and faster to text, but sometimes hearing that person’s voice can really brighten my spirit and make me smile!
Technology is often the bane of my existence! I joke that technology hates me and I am not fond of it either, so at least we agree on something. Truth be told, I just don’t have the desire to learn about the next “new” tech item. My husband tells me I am lost in the 80s. He is probably right in more ways than one. But I know one thing for sure, I can usually get my questions answered faster with a phone call than a text. Why? Because it is a live conversation instead of typing a message, waiting for a response, then having another question that I have to type out and then wait again.
Being lost in the 80s isn’t so bad in my opinion. We didn’t have cell phones so if your friend didn’t answer, you went outside and rode your bike or moped to their house. Once a driver’s license was involved, it was all about “cruising” through the park or downtown. Television wasn’t the priority it seems to be now. We were busy outside doing things instead of being couch potatoes. Although I know many of us were glued to the television when MTV first appeared! Do you know what the very first music video was? “Video killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles.
Ok, let me dig my way out of this rabbit hole of bygone days. Getting the attention of people, using technology does seem to be better in terms of quantity. One post on Facebook can reach hundreds, even thousands if you have a large following or “boost” the post. A group text can reach up to 20 or more people at the same time. Reluctantly I find myself using these methods to share information about the Senior Center of Sidney-Shelby County. Whether I like it or not, technology can be my friend in these situations.
The printed word is still a very effective tool to reach people so, “May I have your attention please.”
I invite all of you that are age 50 or better to join us for the Shelby County Senior Day on Wednesday May 18 at 11 a.m. This event is part of the Area Agency on Aging’s celebration of Older Americans Month. Each year a committee is formed to nominate and award one senior with the Outstanding Senior of the Year award. Tickets are $5 per person and includes lunch and entertainment. Tickets are available at the Senior Center.
We also will be having our Friday Fun Night – Karaoke on Friday May 20 at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public age 50 or better. Come join us for some fun!
If you are a friend of technology, check out our Facebook page or website at www.srcentersidney-shelby.com and see our activities and events.
Thank you for giving me your attention and following me down the rabbit hole of days gone by. I must now answer some of the dreaded text messages, hopefully my “stupid smart phone” will work for me today.
Until I see you at the Center, Have a Blessed Day,
Rachel Hale
