Cyber Backup

Cynthia Lopinto Feature Article Leave a comment 2,040 Views

By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

Today we store most of our information on electronic devices. We rely on our laptops, tablets and phones to access the important details we are looking for at a moment’s notice. This technology gives us the freedom to be out and about and still have the resources we need at our fingertips.

The downside to this convenience is that we are no longer relying on our brains to remember things. Phone numbers of friends and family are entered onto our cell phones and we just push a button to place a call. We no longer have to memorize a phone number because it will be available on our phone whenever we need it.

The same can be said about our sense of direction. The days of mapping out a destination or going on a dry run are unnecessary. GPS aps plan out our routes and we just turn the steering wheel in the direction the voice tells us to. We have become so dependent on these technological advances that we risk losing some of our ability to navigate our surroundings.

We really have a problem if we can’t access our technology. What happens if our cell phone stops working and we have to call somebody from another phone? Do we even have their number written anywhere else? Probably not. The same is true for addresses. We have these stored as favorites on our GPS devices or phones. But if technology was down and we had to mail out a card or letter, we would be in trouble.

The same is true for our computer passwords. Most of these come up automatically when we log on, but every once in a while, we have to come up with a password and type it in. Between the different combinations of upper/lower case letters, numbers and symbols used, there is no way to remember these. We need to have some type of backup system.

There is nothing that can replace a paper copy of information you need. If your charger dies, your electric goes out or you have misplaced a device, you can still read a piece of paper. It is a smart idea to have multiple paper backups just in case you need it. I think the following two items are essential to give you piece of mind and help you cope on those occasions when you are forced to function offline.

An old fashioned address book – Yes they still make these! Along with name and address, include their cell phone number and email address. This will save you from bothering loved ones to look things up for you.Be sure to keep this book in a central location so you know where it is when you need it.

Online password list – I have two of these “hidden” – one in my office and one at home. I can’t tell you how valuable this piece of paper is. So many companies are making you change passwords often and it is so hard to keep up. And if you keep trying to guess by typing in different combinations, sometimes you get locked out. This is especially frustrating if you have logged on to pay a bill before a deadline!

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Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.