Ok, enough chit-chat. What’s today’s question?
When is it okay to stop keeping up with technology?
That question usually comes with a sigh.
It shows up when another update rolls through, something moves, a password expires, or a device you were comfortable with suddenly asks you to “learn a new experience.” You don’t feel angry. Just tired. And maybe a little behind.
What you’re really asking isn’t about technology.
It’s about permission.
Earlier in life, keeping up felt mandatory. Work demanded it. Kids needed it. Falling behind had consequences. Learning new tools was part of staying relevant, employable, useful. You didn’t always enjoy it, but you understood the rules.
Retirement changes the rules.
There’s no boss waiting to see if you’ve mastered the latest software. No performance review tied to your ability to navigate three new menus and a settings page that keeps moving.
That doesn’t mean you stop learning. It means you get to choose what is worth learning.
What I’ve noticed is this: the pressure to keep up fades long before curiosity does. You don’t lose interest in technology — you lose interest in chasing it. There’s a difference. One is disengagement. The other is discernment.
It’s okay to keep the tools that help you connect, create, and simplify. It’s also okay to let go of the ones that mostly create friction. You don’t owe every update your attention.
Technology is a tool, not a test.
So when is it okay to stop keeping up?
When the learning curve starts costing you more peace than it gives you usefulness.
If a device still helps you talk to the people you love, find what you need, or make life a little smoother, it’s worth a little effort. If it mostly makes you feel rushed, confused, or inadequate, you’re allowed to step away.
The goal isn’t to be current.
It’s to be comfortable.
And you’ve earned that.
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If you’re thinking of a friend right now, Like & Restack this and tag them in spirit.
You can put off chores for another 5 minutes, I won’t tell. Here are a couple more you’ll probably like:
Ask A Retired Guy: What’s One Thing I Should Do Every Sunday?
Ask A Retired Guy: What’s the Secret to a Good Week?
Downbeat: The Drones Are Winning
Sigh of relief. Thank you for putting words to something that whittles away at our time, energy and patience. I used to love new technology. No more. I recently abandoned my FitBit because I refused Google's self-interest only approach. After some withdrawal I actually feel relief. Back to trusting my own sense of things. Always love your posts.
Making those choices can be a challenge because I am usually curious about new tools. AI is big, but I have not discerned what it can do for me, and I am unwilling to allocate time to learning.