top of page
Senior Book Club

Independence and Convenience

01

Online Shopping

Online shopping gives you the freedom to purchase groceries, household items, clothing, and more without leaving home. It’s convenient, often cost-effective, and can be delivered right to your door.

Popular Online Shopping Platforms 

 1.  Amazon

  • Sells almost everything: groceries, clothing, electronics, and books.

  • Amazon Homepage

 2.  Walmart

 3.  Target

  • Wide selection of groceries, home items, clothing, and more.

  • Target Homepage

 4.  Instacart

 5. Other Local Grocery Sites

  • Many regional supermarkets (e.g., Kroger, Safeway) have online ordering with home delivery or curbside pickup.

How to Shop Online (Example: Amazon)

  • Create an Account

    1. Go to Amazon.com.

    2. Click “Hello, Sign in” (top-right) → “Create your Amazon account.”

    3. Enter your name, email, and create a password.

    4. Follow prompts to verify your email (look for a confirmation code in your inbox).

  • Browse or Search for Items

    1. Use the search bar (top-middle) to type what you need (e.g., “comfort shoes,” “small kitchen appliances”).

    2. Click on the product that interests you to see more details (price, reviews, etc.).

  • Add Items to Cart

    1. Select desired size, color, or quantity (if applicable).

    2. Click the “Add to Cart” button.

  • Proceed to Checkout

    1. When ready, hover over the cart icon (top-right) and click “Proceed to checkout.”

    2. Enter your shipping address (home or alternative address).

    3. Choose a shipping speed (e.g., standard, two-day).

  • Enter Payment Information

    1. You can pay by credit/debit card, gift card, or certain digital wallets.

    2. Look for a padlock icon or “https://” in the browser bar to confirm security.

  • Review and Place Order

    1. Double-check your items, shipping address, and total cost.

    2. Click “Place your order.”

    3. You’ll receive an order confirmation via email.

Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Online Shopping

  • Use Reputable Websites: Stick to well-known brands or check reviews before trying a new site.

  • Check Return Policies: Ensure you can easily return or exchange items if needed.

  • Watch Out for Scams: Don’t click on suspicious links in emails. If unsure, type the store’s address directly into your browser.

  • Keep Track of Orders: Save confirmation emails or take note of order numbers.

  • Create a Budget: It’s easy to overspend online; set a monthly budget for online purchases

References

Helpful Videos

02

Ride Services and Helpful Apps

Transportation apps like Uber, Lyft, and local ridesharing services can make getting around town much easier. In addition, various smartphone apps can help with everyday tasks like managing medications, ordering food, and staying organized.

Popular Ride Services

 1.  Uber

 2.  Lyft

  • Similar to Uber; offers rides in most urban/suburban areas.

  • Lyft Website

 3.  Local Paratransit or Senior Shuttle

  • Some cities provide specialized transport for seniors at discounted rates.

  • Check your city or county’s official website for details.

Step-by-Step: Using a Ride Service (Example: Uber on a Smartphone)

  1. Download the Uber App

    • On iPhone: Open the App Store, search “Uber,” tap “Get.”

    • On Android: Open the Play Store, search “Uber,” tap “Install.”

  2. Create or Sign in to Your Account

    • Open the App and tap “Sign Up.”

    • Enter your phone number or email.

    • Create a password.

  3. Add Payment Method

    • Tap the menu (three horizontal lines or your profile icon).

    • Select “Payment” or “Wallet.”

    • Add a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account.

  4. Requesting a Ride

    1. Set Pickup Location: The app often detects your location automatically, or type in the address.

    2. Destination: Type where you want to go (doctor’s office, grocery store, etc.).

    3. Choose a Ride Option: E.g., “UberX” (standard ride), “UberXL” (larger car), or “Assist” (in some areas, offers extra help).

    4. Confirm & Request: Review estimated cost, then tap “Confirm.”

  5. During the Ride

    • Driver’s Info: You’ll see the driver’s photo, license plate, and estimated arrival time.

    • Track the Route: Follow the car’s journey on the map.

    • If you need help (e.g., more time to get outside), you can message or call the driver.

  6. After the Ride

    • The fare is automatically charged to your chosen payment method.

    • Rate the driver and add a tip if you wish (optional).

Other Helpful Apps for Independence

 1.  Medication Management

  • Medisafe: Reminds you when to take medicine.

  • CareZone: Organizes prescriptions and dosages.

 2.  Food Delivery

  • DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats: Order meals from local restaurants.

  • Step-by-Step: Similar to ride apps—download, create an account, enter address, and browse restaurants.

 3.  Grocery Delivery

  • Instacart, Shipt, or your local grocery store’s app.

  • Great for scheduling deliveries of fresh produce and pantry items.

 4.  Organization & Health

  • Google Calendar (reminders for appointments).

  • MyFitnessPal (track diet and exercise).

  • Fitbit App (monitor daily steps, heart rate—if you have a Fitbit device).

Tips for a Safe and Pleasant Experience

  • Verify Driver & Car: Always double-check license plate and driver’s name before entering the car.

  • Share Your Trip: Most ride apps let you share your trip details with a friend or family member for peace of mind.

  • Set Up Emergency Contacts: Apps like Uber have an in-app “Safety” section to quickly contact emergency services or a trusted contact.

  • Device Basics: Ensure your smartphone is charged before heading out. Keep a charger in your purse or car if possible.

  • Budget-Friendly: Ride services can be more affordable than traditional taxis, but compare prices and see if public transportation or senior shuttles are cheaper for routine trips.

References

Helpful Videos

Jokes!

  • Q: Why did the senior love online shopping?
    A: Because it brought everything right to their door—no heavy lifting required!

  • Q: Why did the ride service get hired?
    A: Because it’s always on time and never needs directions!

  • I told my smart assistant I wanted more independence, and it said, “No problem, I’ll set up reminders so you never forget to do things on your own!”

bottom of page