Month: October 2024

“The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you’re learning, you’re not old.” —Rosalyn S. Yalow (Nobel Prize Winner)

Have you ever found yourself curious about something new but thought, Is it too late to start now? Let me assure you – it’s never too late! Whether you’re rekindling an old passion or exploring uncharted territory, learning is a lifelong journey, and with today’s technology, it’s more accessible than ever.

Among the exciting advancements are AI tools like ChatGPT, which can serve as your personal tutor, mentor or study buddy. And it’s not just ChatGPT; there are several ‘AI chatbots’ available. Even Google now begins with an AI-generated answer to your queries before providing the familiar lists of website sources.

I know what some of you may be thinking: “AI? Isn’t that for youngsters?” But bear with me. AI chatbots are like that friendly neighbour who’s always ready for a chat (if, that is, your neighbour knew a great deal about most topics and didn’t mind you dropping in at three in the morning when you couldn’t sleep!).

For a friendly introduction to AI, read HOW CHATGPT CAN HELP YOU IN FUN AND USEFUL WAYS.

Ask and AI Answers

Remember the days when we’d spend hours in the library searching for information? While that can be a very enjoyable way to spend time, sometimes we just want quick answers.

Suppose you’re interested in some basic gardening information, like how to start a vegetable patch. You can ask an AI chatbot and get clear, concise answers tailored just for you. It’s instant advice, when needed, without having to filter out the unnecessary information.

By the way, in AI-speak, anything we ask is known as a “prompt.” I’m going to include some here for you to try out in ChatGPT or another AI chatbot.

For our gardening example, we might begin with a prompt that asks: “How can I start a beginner-friendly vegetable garden at home? What are the easiest vegetables to grow?”

A Word of Caution

While AI chatbots are wonderfully helpful, they’re not perfect. So, if you’re studying something important, or need precise information, it’s always wise to double-check with trusted sources. But AI chatbots are improving and, for the most part, they are incredibly useful and available 24/7!

Simplifying the Complex

We all encounter topics that seem overwhelming at first glance. (AI anyone!) Maybe you’ve heard about “epigenetics” and thought, “Sounds fascinating, but where do I even start?” Here’s where AI chatbots shine. You can ask them to break down complex subjects into simple, easy-to-understand language.

Better yet, you can ask for explanations using analogies that resonate with you. Love dogs? Ask an AI chatbot to explain epigenetics using dog-related examples. These tools excel at turning complicated concepts into everyday language.

Try this prompt: “Explain epigenetics in simple terms using dog-related examples.”

Making Learning Stick

Learning isn’t just about understanding new information; it’s also about remembering it. If you’re trying to retain facts – perhaps for a local quiz night or just to impress the grandchildren – AI chatbots can help create handy memorisation techniques.

For example, if you want to remember the order of the planets in our solar system, you could ask for a helpful mnemonic. I did, and it came up with, “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles,” making Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune much easier to recall. (If that turns up in your local quiz this week, please let me know in the comments!)

Putting Your Knowledge to the Test

Who says tests are only for school? We all know that keeping our minds active is important. AI chatbots can quiz you on just about any subject. Want to brush up on your French before a trip to Paris? Or test your knowledge of classical literature? Just ask, and the AI chatbot will provide questions, wait for your answers, and correct you if needed (usually in a rather kindly fashion).

Here’s a prompt you might try: “Quiz me on basic French phrases for travel. Ask one question at a time and wait for my answer before providing corrections.”

Summarising in Seconds

We’ve all been there – a book club meeting is looming, and you haven’t quite finished the book. You can ask AI for a summary or maybe for some discussion-worthy points. (If that feels like cheating, don’t do it, or be bold and admit you just couldn’t get on with that book and got an AI chatbot to finish it for you.)

Or perhaps you just need the top tips buried in a long-winded article. No problem. An AI chatbot can summarise long texts, highlighting the key points for you.

Try this prompt: “Give me a summary of the book [Where the Crawdads Sing], including key themes, character analysis, and discussion-worthy points.”

A Tutor at Your Fingertips

Embracing new technology might feel daunting, but tools like ChatGPT are surprisingly easy to use – there’s practically no learning curve to get started. Think of it as an eager tutor with access to a limitless library of knowledge, always ready to help.

So why not give it a try? Whether you’re revisiting subjects you love or diving into something entirely new, AI chatbots will help make your learning journey exciting and enjoyable. After all, curiosity keeps us young!

For more learning tips with AI, check out Vicky’s Skool Community.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you tried using an AI chatbot for learning or exploring new topics? I’d love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have. Please share in the comments below.

These days, many travelers handle all their arrangements via online resources. So, it’s no surprise that the travel agency industry has been forced to drastically change how it operates. For example, a traditional source of agency revenue was commissions from the airlines for making reservations. These and other changes have significantly altered the travel management environment.

Technology Innovations

Technology changes now allow the average person to perform tasks previously the exclusive responsibility of a travel agent. The biggest change is the online booking of transportation and accommodations. Another significant trend is the flood of online information in the form of articles, blogs, and reviews. In the past, travelers depended on travel agents for this type of information.

Although these innovations have disrupted the travel management business, agents have also benefited from technological advances. For example, computers and mobile phones make communication between agencies and travel services companies easier.

Communication with travel agency clients is also easier. However, this has also raised travelers’ expectations since they now expect 24/7 customer service from travel agents.

Evolving from Agent to Advisor

The travel agency industry has fended off obsolescence by leveraging its greatest asset: its experience and expertise. Travelers can take a do-it-yourself approach for simple trips, but for more complex or far-away travel, they may be better off engaging with a travel professional.

Also, industry terminology has evolved away from the word “agent” to “advisor” since there is a greater focus on advisory and customer services.

A View from the Trenches: Jim Bendt – Pique Travel Design

The move from agent to advisor is precisely what Jim Bendt, owner of Pique Travel Design in Minneapolis, experienced. With 15 years in the travel business, Jim entered the industry during a time of immense transformation. “What I liked about it at that time was the industry was going through a change where it was less of a transactional model which is what the internet is today, and it became much more of a professional service model.”

It’s About Taking Personal Care of Each Traveler

Jim agreed that today’s consumers can handle many travel tasks independently, but that does not mean travel professionals don’t add value. “What the internet doesn’t do is give professional service and advice. I guess the best analogy I would use is that there used to be stockbrokers. There are now wealth advisors. So, travel’s the same thing as where there used to be travel agents, but now we’re travel advisors bringing more of that professional consultancy aspect of things.”

In some ways,, there is almost too much information online. Jim believes a travel advisor can help sort out what really works. “What we find is that there’s a portion of the population that loves to dream and anticipate travel but doesn’t love the logistics of doing all that research trying to sort through what reviews are accurate and which ones aren’t, and they would prefer to work with a professional who can help guide them through that.”

He added, “Travel advisors are really meant for people who appreciate working with somebody and having that human connection. What we like to do is listen and understand what our clients are like and what their travel DNA is, and then have conversations about the possibilities. A lot of times, they come to us without an idea, but we can help design amazing experiences they didn’t know existed.”

Growth of the Travel Niche

Despite the upheaval of COVID-19, Jim noted that most agencies survived and are now helping to manage a post-pandemic travel surge. “Looking at all my peers that are out there, I was expecting that we would see a lot of people get out of the business. Yet, I don’t know of one travel agency peer that has closed. And if anything, all of us now are seeing rampant growth.”

The introduction of client fees was a significant change in the transition from agent to advisor. Previously, most agency revenue consisted of commissions from travel providers. Now, it’s common practice for travel advisors to charge a fee. However, Jim feels consumers receive a lot of value from those fees. “What that does is it covers our upfront time to work with our clients to design that initial itinerary, but that’s the only upfront fee that they pay. And then the remaining portion of the trip is compensated by our hotel partners that we work with.”

Future Trends in Travel

As for future trends, Jim feels confident that travel advisors will continue to offer great value. “I love it when there’s always something new, and the pundits say that that’s the end of the travel agency industry. Artificial intelligence which is all over the news right now and the way that we view things is technology is a good thing. I don’t view online travel agencies like Expedia as competition because they offer a different service promise to clients than what we do. Same thing with AI. If we say, ‘Hey, design an itinerary to Italy’, and I look at them logistically and ask, ‘Who would want to be bouncing around this much? That doesn’t make any sense.’ So, we think there will always be a need for a travel advisor since people want to have that human connection.”

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you always plan the trips you go to? If so, what tools do you use? What do you like most about travel advisors? Is there a downside to that type of travel planning?

When we talk about aging, the conversation often revolves around “aging in place” – adapting our homes with grab bars, ramps, and the like. But in our rush to prepare for potential limitations, I believe we’re missing the bigger picture.

Society wants longevity without aging, forgetting that growing older is a natural and unavoidable process. But what if we embraced it with strength and vitality rather than fighting the inevitable or simply succumbing to it?

Enter the concept of “aging strong.” It’s about more than just surviving our later years – it’s about thriving in them. Let’s explore how we can move beyond “aging in place” to living a purposeful and vibrant life as we grow older.

Let’s Start by Redefining Aging

The modern-day attitude towards aging is puzzling. We chase longevity but resist the natural process racking up the decades. This contradiction has led to a culture that values youth above all else, often viewing aging as something to be feared or avoided.

But what if we changed our perspective? Aging isn’t a decline into decrepitude, as Jane Fonda points out in her TED talk “Life’s Third Act.” It’s a continuation of life’s journey, rich with experiences and wisdom. By embracing “aging strong,” we acknowledge that our later years can be as gratifying as our earlier ones.

This shift in mindset allows us to see aging not as a limitation but an opportunity for growth. It’s about maintaining our zest for life, staying engaged with the world, and continuing to pursue our passions. In short, aging strong means living fully at every age.

The Power of Strength in Aging

Aging strong is built on three pillars: physical, mental, and emotional strength.

Physical strength is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life. Regular exercise, tailored to your abilities, can help preserve muscle mass, improve balance, and boost overall health. This doesn’t mean you must run marathons; even gentle activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can make a significant difference. Pair this with a nutritious diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables to fuel your body properly, and you’re golden (no pun intended).

Mental strength is about keeping your mind sharp and engaged. Lifelong learning is vital – whether it’s picking up a new hobby, learning a language, or solving puzzles. These activities stimulate your brain, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Don’t underestimate the power of socializing in keeping your mind active, too.

Emotional strength involves building resilience and managing stress. This could mean practicing mindfulness, maintaining strong social connections, or engaging in activities that bring you joy. Emotional strength helps you navigate life’s challenges with grace and optimism.

By focusing on these three areas, you’re not just preparing for old age – you’re enhancing your life right now and setting the stage for a dynamic and fulfilling future.

Aging on Your Terms: A Personal Journey

My wife and I have always been health-conscious, but as we entered our 50s, we realized we needed to step up our game. Discovering furniture-free living was a game-changer for us.

Almost four years into this lifestyle, the benefits continue to amaze us. We’re stronger and more agile than ever before. This experience has given us confidence that our journey of aging in place won’t include typical modifications associated with growing older.

By embracing new ways of living, we’re setting ourselves up for the future. But we can’t take all the credit for this way of thinking. We took our cue from Ellen Langer, a Harvard professor well-known for her outside-the-box research.

In her now famous Counterclockwise study, she demonstrated how powerful our mindset is in influencing our physical aging process. At almost 60, my wife and I are relative spring chickens, but we’re hopeful that by taking Langer’s findings to heart, we’ll enjoy a “youthful” old age.

Practical Tips for Aging Strong

Inspired to start your own journey of aging strong? While furniture-free living might not be for everyone, there are many ways to incorporate strength-building into your daily life. Here are some practical tips:

#1. Incorporate Strength-Building Activities

• Try bodyweight exercises like squats or wall push-ups.
• Use resistance bands for a low-impact strength workout.
• Practice balance exercises, such as standing on one foot.

#2. Nourish Your Body

• Eat plenty of protein to maintain muscle mass.
• Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Stay hydrated – remember to drink water throughout the day.

#3. Stimulate Your Mind

• Learn something new – try a language app or an online course.
• Play brain games or do sudoku puzzles (they offer a better ROI than crossword puzzles).
• Read books on diverse topics to expand your knowledge.

#4. Foster Social Connections

• Join a club or group related to your interests.
• Volunteer in your community.
• Stay in touch with friends and family regularly.

#5. Embrace Technology

• Learn to use video calling to stay connected with loved ones.
• Explore apps that can help with health tracking or brain training.

Remember, aging strong is about progress, not perfection. Start small and gradually incorporate these habits into your routine. The key is consistency and finding activities you enjoy.

Balancing “Aging Strong” with Practical Considerations

While embracing an active approach to aging is ideal, it’s worth considering certain practical adaptations. The challenge lies in creating an environment that enhances safety without compromising your lifestyle or sense of independence.

Some may find value in improved lighting to prevent accidents or walk-in showers with grab bars for safer bathing. Before implementing any adaptations, reflect on whether they truly enhance your lifestyle or if alternative strategies might better serve your goals for active, independent living.

Remember, these modifications aren’t inevitable concessions to age but potential tools to support continued independence. The key is to strike a balance between proactive health measures and thoughtful home adaptations.

From Surviving to Thriving: Your Next Chapter

Aging strong is about embracing the journey of growing older with vitality and purpose. It’s a shift from merely adapting to actively engaging with life at every stage.

By focusing on physical, mental, and emotional strength, we can create a future that’s not just long but rich and vibrant. Remember, it’s never too late to start aging with intention.

It’s time to challenge the narrative around aging. Instead of fearing it, let’s welcome it as an opportunity for continued growth and new adventures.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are your thoughts on the concept of “aging strong” versus simply “aging in place?” Have you found ways to embrace vitality and strength as you’ve grown older? Are there any specific activities or habits that have helped you maintain your physical, mental, or emotional strength? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below – your insights could inspire others on their journey to aging strong.