Tech

Tech tips from an octogenarian

May 14, 2017

Three simple plan options for you to choose from. Source: Stock

Max Perlov has always had an interest in electronics and the automotive industry. The former mechanical engineer Max’s first introduction to technology was similar to many – using a PC computer at work. Well into retirement the 85-year-old has continued using a PC at home, for the last 21 years, and more recently, a tablet and mobile phone.

His advice to those who are not so familiar with their technology was to be patient and start slowly, with the basics. “I began using computers for my job, with lots of training at work and now I build my own computers from scratch.”

There is good reason, Max said, for using technology at his age. Max, who has two grand-daughters and one great-granddaughter, said technology allowed him to pursue his hobbies, like music, in a more engaging way than ever before. “I use my computer to access content from every corner of the globe,” he said. “It also allows me to keep in touch with my friends and family both locally and overseas.” After moving to Australia from Russia 37 years ago Max uses video call to contact his brother in the Ukraine and friends in Russia. “I often video call my brother in Ukraine and friends in Russia. It’s so easy to keep in touch with them that way. My family loves that we are able to communicate using technology from video calling on smart phones to email. I teach myself the new advancements in order to keep up with my kids and grandkids. It’s particularly useful when they are holidaying overseas.”

Max said there were many ways technology makes almost all aspects of his life easier. “I use it for banking, GPS and emergency services, home monitoring and physical activity – I particularly enjoy using tech for entertainment, such as watching music videos on YouTube. I stream most of my music through apps, which I enjoy because of the quality of the sound, sometimes I download my favourite albums on to my phone too.

“I think the most interesting use for technology in my life is my computer building hobby! The IT world develops very quickly so I constantly need to update my hardware and software in order to keep up with the changes. I find I need to make updates every year or so.”

There is still one development in technology Max hopes to see that would add another benefit to his life, and many others. “I wish that mobile phone apps were available that could monitor human’s vital organ functionality, with the capability to then stream results to doctors to monitor patient’s health conditions.”

Max’s favourite apps

Skype
Pedometer
Facebook
Wondershare
YouTube

Max’s favourite gadgets

Smart TV
Computer
Tablet
Mobile phone
Blu-ray DVD Writer and Player

“Computers and mobile phones are the gadgets I prefer the most. They give me the most pleasure in the communications area, as well as the ability to pursue my hobbies such as photography, music and video.”

Max Perlov gets a special birthday surprise.

Max had a special surprise when he celebrated his 85^th birthday last month. The tech-savvy senior was one of the first to get his hands on the new Samsung S8 mobile phone, gifted to him from Telstra. It was a special gift for a man who loves his gadgets.He said his new Samsung Galaxy S8 mobile phone really was a piece of art and the best phone he had ever had. “The speed is amazing, thanks to the new processor, it has a high resolution screen and the vibrant colours are the best. The little speaker sounds great with a wide spectrum of frequencies. The 3,000 mAh removable battery is great for daily phone usage. The Premium Dual Pixel 12.0 MP front camera and back 8 MP AF cameras take professional quality photographs. It’s also water resistant! I frequently use the phone to call, text and video call my friends and relatives.”