In this episode, host Matt Reiners sits down with Abbie Richie, Tech Guru of The Smarter Service, to explore why tech support in senior living communities is no longer a luxury—it’s a critical part of the core service. From setting up devices to building digital confidence, Abbie shares how her team is professionalizing tech concierge services with patience, empathy, and a proven teaching model. Through real resident stories and hands-on tips, Abbie challenges the myth that older adults aren’t interested in technology—and shows what’s possible when we treat them like the scholars they are. Whether you're in senior living, tech, or just helping a loved one, this episode will reshape how you think about aging in a digital world.

Abbie Richie is a nationally recognized tech educator and founder of The Smarter Service, where she leads a team of tech concierges providing hands-on support to older adults in senior living communities. With deep empathy, humor, and a commitment to digital inclusion, Abbie is redefining what tech training looks like for older generations.

Chapters:

01:00 – Introduction to Abbie Richie and her unique path into senior tech support
04:00 – From helping in-laws to launching a mission: how Abbie found her calling
06:00 – What makes The Smarter Service different from traditional tech help models
08:00 – Why resident tech support is now infrastructure, not an amenity
10:00 – Misconceptions about older adults and technology
12:00 – Practical tips for teaching tech: history, handouts, and hands-on support
14:00 – The “Keep It Simple, Senior” framework and avoiding jargon
16:00 – Why hand-me-down devices might be hurting more than helping
18:00 – Humor, patience, and repetition as core tech teaching strategies
21:00 – Real-life resident success stories: Bob, Sandy, Eleanor, and Chuck
24:00 – Building a human-centered model for digital inclusion
26:00 – Holiday advice: Don’t drop off new tech and disappear
27:00 – Final thoughts on empowering older adults through tech support