Month: November 2024

Ah, the holidays. A time of joy, connection, and – let’s be honest – a lot of logistical challenges. Between gift-buying, cooking, and entertaining, it’s a wonder anyone has time to enjoy the season at all. If only there were an all-knowing assistant who could conjure solutions at the click of a button…

Enter AI chatbots, the most well-known of which is ChatGPT: part oracle, part personal assistant, and entirely unbothered by your 3 a.m. queries about the correct flour to use for gluten-free pastry.

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

Yes, We Can Use AI over 60!

Using ChatGPT during the holidays might raise eyebrows among younger family members – let’s face it, anyone under the age of 40 seems perpetually amazed that we can even work our phones! Yet there’s satisfaction to be had when they discover you used AI to pick just the right gift, create a delicious meal that catered for all dietary requirements, and a fun quiz they could all enjoy. Who needs youthful energy when you’ve got AI and a lifetime’s experience of adapting to the ever-evolving ‘modern’ world on your side?

Whether you’re entertaining at home or visiting others, here are some top ways in which AI can help you make this holiday season stress-free, and maybe even a little fantastical.

1. Your Personal Gift Advisor

Gift-giving can be the season’s greatest conundrum. What do you buy for the teenager surgically attached to their headphones, or the grandparent who has everything – except, perhaps, a functioning VHS player for their large collection of tapes? Don’t worry, ChatGPT loves a good challenge.
You could ask ChatGPT:

• “Suggest thoughtful gift ideas for a 14-year-old who loves gaming and football.”
• “What are some unique gifts for a 90-year-old man who already has everything he needs?”

Or to be even more specific, try something like:

• “Recommend digital photo frames under £100 that are easy to use.”
• “What practical gifts can I give to a gardener with limited outdoor space?”

It can even give you links to online stores where you can purchase your choices (as always, take care to check you are buying from a reliable source).

2. Recipes & Meal Plans

For those of us tasked with feeding the five thousand – or at least the extended family – meal planning can feel like advanced three-dimensional chess with a countdown timer. This is where ChatGPT shines, adapting recipes and balancing dietary needs with the finesse of a Michelin-starred chef.

Here are a few examples of the sort of prompts to try:

• “Can you adjust this turkey gravy recipe to make it gluten-free?”
• “Create a vegetarian alternative to roast turkey for Christmas dinner.”
• “Combine these recipes for roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and Brussels sprouts into one shopping list.”

If you’re just bringing a single dish to someone else’s feast, maybe:

• “Suggest an easy dessert I can take to a holiday dinner, including prep and transport tips.”

And if you’re feeling ambitious, ask ChatGPT to create a complete plan for you, including timings, a shopping list, and tips for leftovers.

I recently got advice from ChatGPT when I was struggling to adapt a beloved family recipe to accommodate a visitor with nut allergy. ChatGPT not only provided a perfect substitution but even suggested a simple tweak that improved the texture. It’s moments like these when knowing how simple it is to use AI bots is truly empowering.

3. Fun for the Whole Family

The real challenge of the holidays is often not the cooking or the gifting – it’s keeping everyone from toddlers to octogenarians entertained without an intergenerational mutiny.

So, over to ChatGPT to help with some ideas:

• “Suggest family-friendly indoor games for a group aged 5 – 85.”
• “Suggest a creative activity everyone can join, including instructions and materials needed.”
• “Help me organise a family quiz with five rounds for a group whose ages range from 5 – 95.”

The magic of ChatGPT (and, of course, other AI tools) is their flexibility. Whether you want a cozy storytelling game or a competitive trivia showdown, it can tailor the experience to suit everyone.

4. Rest & Relaxation

But finally, let’s spare a thought for the hosts – the ones balancing endless tasks while keeping a smile pinned to their faces. Even here, ChatGPT can be a lifesaver, offering ways to find moments of calm amidst the chaos.

• “Can you tell me 5 ways to help me de-stress in 5 minutes during a holiday gathering?”
• “Suggest short mindfulness activities I can do in between cooking and hosting duties.”

AI’s Place at the Holiday Table

It might feel a little unusual at first to bring AI into your holiday celebrations, but it’s exactly this kind of modern twist that allows you to reclaim your time – and perhaps even some sanity.

Why not give it a go? After all, what could be more appropriate than outsmarting the chaos with a little help from the future? The real gift this season may just be the calm confidence you gain in the process – and, of course, the respect of your tech-savvy family.

Happy prompting, and may your holidays be enjoyably stress-free.

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

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you tried using AI for the holidays? Did you use it for solving a last-minute gift dilemma or crafting the perfect family quiz? Please share your experiences as they could inspire others to take the plunge. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

The kidnappers demanded a lot of money for her release.

He announced his departure in 2015, a year before the boyband went on hiatus.

Buckle up.

How often do we see women between 40 and 50 portrayed as sexy, alluring, and self-confident in movies, television, or advertisements? On occasion we see some positive reflections.

What about positive portrayals of women who are 60 and over? If we’re being honest, the answer is hardly ever.

It’s not that we need the media to reflect back to us positive imagery for us to feel good about ourselves. We can do that on our own.

But few women of our generation were taught how to deflect the negative stories we consume in the media and how to reframe them into something more positive. The result is millions of women look at themselves from a negative perception and hold back from living their lives to the fullest.

Therefore, how do we go about removing the influence of the media so that we can begin not only loving more of ourselves but unleashing our inspired voice after 60?

This article and accompanying video are part of a new series titled “The Invisible Customer with All the Money®”, where we will focus on how women over 60 can begin telling ourselves a new and better story about what we can be, do, and experience through self-love.

#1: 7 Steps to Reclaim Your Power from the Media

#2: Aging Stereotypes: Can You Be More Feeble?

#3: 10 Steps to Influence Yourself from Within

#4: What Makes Your World Go Round After 60?

Your Inspired Voice Is Needed

When women 60 and over are shown in ad campaigns, movies, and television shows, they are usually presented as bumbling fools for comedic relief or portrayed as old, barely mobile, and unsexy.

Having been an actress for over 30 years, I understand there are specific characters and roles to be played that fit into a story. But that is not what I’m talking about here.

From first-hand accounts at auditions and lengthy conversations with fellow actresses over 50, and from my own extensive research, I have become aware of the widespread dismissal of positive reflections of women over 60 in nearly all forms of media.

Over a decade ago, I made a bold declaration to forego any roles that demanded I wear a white wig and act feeble to sell a brand message. I began to apply my time, resources, talents, and gifts to sharing a more uplifting message about love, aging, and happiness for our generation.

I am far from the only person who is doing this.

Thousands of women, including the founder of Sixty and Me, Margaret Manning, have brought their unique perspective and inspired voice to the world.

Brands are beginning to listen but there’s still a long road ahead of us. To ensure the narrative continues to positively change, your inspired voice is needed.

Be Seen, Heard, and Valued

There is a reason what we watch on television is referred to as programming. The shows and what we watch in the news are literally programming our subconscious to think and feel specific ways.

This is where we come in.

Each of us brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to all ages. But changing the negative stories about women in the media begins with every single one of us.

It’s crucial that your inspired voice be unleashed in ways that best align with your personality. To ensure that your inspired voice is seen, heard, and valued, here are ten steps you can take:

Self-Care

Prioritizing your well-being comes first. Ensuring you’re mentally, emotionally, and physically fit produces a healthy state of being, which enhances confidence and clarity in expression.

Self-Awareness and Confidence Building

You can’t share your inspired voice if you don’t own it. To own your voice, recognize the value of your experiences, embrace your wisdom, and trust in your perspective.

Harness the Power of Digital Platforms

Engage with social platforms that allow you to connect with like-minded people and are easy to share your stories on.

Networking and Building Connections

Participate in women over 60 organizations, clubs, or online communities that provide a platform for members to share experiences and support one another.

Be a Mentor

Mentor and guide younger individuals or peers. Your insights can make a positive difference in their lives.

Seek Mentorship

Even at 60 or beyond, there’s value in seeking guidance from peers and those in younger generations. This can help you better navigate modern challenges and online platforms.

Public Speaking

As you develop confidence in your voice, offer to speak at both online and offline events or workshops, sharing your expertise and stories. This can also include starting a channel on YouTube or even a podcast.

Write Articles or a Book

Document your experiences and then share your journey, insights, and wisdom through writing. This can be in the form of articles, blogs, books, and even documentaries.

Advocacy

Stand up for and speak out on behalf of causes that make your heart sing and that you are deeply passionate about.

Collaborate

Partner up with individuals or groups who align with your beliefs, values, and mission. Joint ventures can amplify the power of your inspired voice.

Please join me in the video above where I share five action items to engage in that will help you integrate what you are learning.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Who inspires you on a daily basis? Are there any women you look up to for inspiration? How are you unleashing your inspired voice to empower yourself and others?