Technology and the Older Generation!

Do we have to totally succumb to Technology?

We have a variety of neighbours in the complex where we live and they range in age from the late 50's to the late 90's years of age.

Some of them are computer literate but many of them aren't. One of our lovely gentlemen, in his 80's, is extremely vocal about technology. Whilst he does use the computer and a mobile phone he still prefers to write with a pen and deal with issues on a one to one, face to face, human being basis and is passionate about the difficulties people have dealing with technology, especially the elderly.

I love technology but must admit that I too prefer to speak to another human being rather than an automated robot. What drives me to drink (well, almost!) is trying to find a normal landline number (as opposed to 03, 04, 07, 08 numbers, most of which cost more, giving the number holder a nice kickback which mounts up while we have to listen to a list of options and then another and then another) to get hold of a live human being to help solve a problem for which I have not been able to find a solution on line!

But Technology is here to stay!

So we oldies need to learn how to deal with it.

I came across a lovely article in the Saturday weekend magazine of the Daily Mail titled "You're NEVER too old to start Googling" by Moira Petty. She writes about two ladies, one is 83 and just starting a crash course to get her into the internet era. To quote, the old dear says "I go all deaf when I get nervous" and "I can't help bashing the tablet like it's my old typewriter, and all these buttons and icons are making me feel a bit sick"! And then there is the 78 year old lady who, after one lesson, is still struggling to turn on her tablet. She says, "I feel like a dinosaur. Learning a foreign language would be easier than this jargon. What are cookies, for goodness sake? I always thought they were biscuits"!

So onwards and upwards!

The company who owns our complex is offering free computer lessons to their tenants. Those who are interested will learn, from switching on the computer to learning about the internet, how to shop on line, how to email and how to keep in touch with family using Skype and Facebook.

As for me, being of a slightly more advanced stage on the computer, I am thankful that I joined WA with such a fantastic, helpful community. I have very little knowledge of building websites and internet marketing but know that I will eventually get there with everyones awesome help!

Have a great week.

Denise