The Analog Life: 50 Ways to Unplug and Feel Human Again

This article appears as part of Casey Weade's Weekend Reading for Retirees series. Every Friday, Casey highlights four hand-picked articles on trending retirement topics and delivers them straight to your email inbox. Get on the list here.
Weekend reading 50 ways to unplug Weekend reading 50 ways to unplug

Weekend Reading

We live in a world engineered for distraction. When “infinite scroll” was introduced in 2006, it rewired how we interact with technology, giving us a never-ending stream of digital dopamine.

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Now, decades later, we’re starting to realize just how much we’ve lost; our attention, our sleep, our peace of mind. For retirees and those approaching retirement, this message is especially timely: you’ve earned the right to slow down and reconnect with life’s simple joys.

Less is More: In that light, here are some acts that can become a quiet form of rebellion against the “noise.” These ideas aren’t about going backward. They’re about going deeper—into connection, clarity, and calm.

📌 Revive Daily Rituals: From family dinners to movie nights without “second screening”

📌 Make Space for Real Connection: 8-minute phone calls, handwritten notes, and mindful walks

📌 Simplify Your Tools: Use wristwatches, kitchen timers, e-readers, and alarm clocks to replace overbearing apps

📌 Savor the Moment: Slower media, quiet routines, and less need to “always be on”

Key Takeaways: As you step into (or deeper into) retirement, consider this a chance to trade information overload for intentional living. You don’t need to adopt all 50 habits. Just start with one—and let it remind you what it feels like to be fully present again.