I didn't see it coming – the day my parents felt they no longer needed my help shopping for consumer electronics. Recently retired and in their early 60s, these new-grandparents-on-the-block haven't exactly been on the cutting edge of technology. In the last decade they haven't had to think much about purchasing electronics, relying instead on my innate "Gen-Xpertise" and seemingly endless inventory of hand-me-downs.

But recently something has changed. More and more I hear about their high-tech acquisitions after the fact. ["Son, I’m calling you using my new Bluetooth headset... can you hear me OK?"] They have become technologically independent. Apparently they feel my good-as-new secondhand gadgets and above-reproach buying advice is no longer needed. In the last year they have – without so much as asking for my help – purchased a laptop, a Webcam, a digital camera and his-and-hers Bluetooth headsets. They have even setup a wireless router to beam high-speed Internet throughout their "55 and better" retirement digs. They are now equipped to multitask new-fangled activities, like video chatting with the grandkids and selling family heirlooms on Craigslist, with everyday activities, like paying bills with paper checks and postage stamps and [gasp!] watching The Oprah Show during its regularly scheduled timeslot.

My parents' behavior illustrates the eagerness of many active adults to embrace certain technologies while remaining intimidated or "old school" with regards to others. As my parents have discovered, today's consumer electronics aren't just for the post-Boomer generations. Even though they did not grow up with computers or the Internet or 500 channels beamed down from the stratosphere, they can still enjoy today's technology just as much as their children and grandchildren. 

So what are you waiting for?  Here are some ideas that can help you better enjoy work and leisure time and gain some much-needed independence from your techno-savvy offspring:

1. Upgrade to a digital camera

Between visiting grandchildren, traveling the globe and everyday active pursuits, you probably have more moments to capture than ever before. But if you're still capturing those moments on film, it's time to upgrade. Digital cameras offer numerous benefits over their film counterparts, most notably the ability to review pictures immediately after you snap them, deleting the ones you don't like and saving the ones you do. Besides sharing your digital photos via email and online, you can make prints just like you always have. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be a whiz on the PC – or even own one at all – to master digital photography. For printing at home, there are a number of photo printers that will make decent-looking prints directly from your camera or memory card. If you prefer to drop off your digital photos instead, many grocery stores, pharmacies and photofinishing retailers can make high-quality prints from your digital photos and give you a backup copy on a CD in moments. Digital cameras come in all sizes and prices, and range from ultra-thin point-and-shoot to professional SLR style.

Really want to impress your kids? Get a digital photo frame that can display a slideshow of your favorite pictures on its built-in video display.

2. Change the way you watch TV

You likely remember when your family got its first TV or when you bought your first color set. It probably seemed revolutionary at the time. But just when you wondered what they'll think of next, advances in technology have once again revolutionized TV.  Digital cable, fiber and satellite bring an abundance of programming choices. Likewise, digital broadcasts from your local stations offer static-free over-the-air reception but without the monthly fee. Digital video recorders with built-in hard disks and easy-to-navigate on-screen guides, like the ubiquitous TiVo, can record hours and hours of your favorite programming and allow you to cue it up anytime you'd like. While you're at it, get one that can receive and record High-Definition Television (HDTV) broadcasts.  With up to three times the resolution of traditional "analog" broadcasts, HDTV programming offers dramatically improved picture and color detail.  And when displayed on a high-definition set, it will make you wonder how you survived all this time with an analog TV. 

Really want to impress your kids? Transform your family room into the ultimate home theater with a wall-hung flat-panel HDTV and a surround sound audio system. Just don’t be surprised if they want to move back in with you.

3. Take your music with you

If you still think of CDs as new technology, then you're definitely ready for an upgrade.  MP3 and other similar digital sound formats have transformed the way we buy and listen to music. Digital music players can store entire music collections yet are smaller and more portable than a personal CD or tape player. Apple's once-popular slogan "1000 Songs in Your Pocket" has actually become somewhat of an understatement for today's music players that can store more music and data than some PCs. These portables range in size from a matchbook to a pack of cards, and come with sizes, styles and amenities to suit almost anyone. Digital music players are perfect for walking and fitness, traveling and leisure, and listening with headphones or through your car or home sound system. Building your digital music collection is easy – simply use the included software to import tunes from your CDs or purchase and download songs or entire albums from an online music store. Your kids love it and so will you. 

Really want to impress your kids? Get a model with video playback so you can download and watch TV shows, movies and music videos on the go.

4. Talk without wires

You see them everywhere – sleek, shiny protrusions wrapped around the ear of the person in front of you in the fast food or coffee shop line. They're Bluetooth headsets, and they're as functional as they are fashionable.  Bluetooth headsets allow you to talk on your Bluetooth-enabled phone – tucked away in your pocket or handbag – with no wires. They're ultra convenient for staying in touch as you travel, work around the house or exercise, and are the perfect solution for in-car use if your state or locality requires you to use your phone hands-free while driving.

Really want to impress your kids? Get a Bluetooth adapter for your PC or laptop so you can wirelessly "sync" your contacts and calendar to your Bluetooth-enabled phone or PDA.

To learn more about some of the technologies discussed in this article and for practical tips on selecting the right products, check out buying guides throughout DigitalTips.org.