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
Recent Comments
18
Well....join the club dear. I joined the WA thinking to make it rich fast, but realised within days that there's more to it than meets the eye.
First of all, the geek jargon absolutely killed me. Then the realisation I'm not going to be making anything anytime soon told me to get with it or leave.
But then I started reading blogs and making my two cents worth comments, and before you know it I was hooked! Not about making money, but about the friends I made.
I'm still Technical Geek challenged, and I know I won't get rich anytime soon, but I'm happy to take it slow and easy. AND I have absorbed some of the geek jargon and still learning each time I read the blogs and comments as well as the training manuals. We'll get there eventually. God bless you dear Denise.......
Shirley
Exactly! Thanks for the comment. Glad to know I've got good company around me!
All the best!
Denise
Denise how are you today, coping, and learning all the time I bet.
You are never too old to learn as you well know and as you say you have learned heaps since you joined WA.
Keep up the good work and be sure to pass on your new found knowledge to your 'Old' friends.
Have a nice day.
Robert
Thanks Robert. Time has been rather limited lately but I keep doing something everyday and am only too happy to help anyone if I am in a position to do so.
Take care and have a good night.
Denise
I think it's the same with any generation, some really take to it and some don't. My father was 88 when he died last year , used a computer and the Internet till his dementia left him unable to over his last 1yr. My Mum is 83 and learning to use an Ipad so she can chat to her relatives who don't live close by.
I still like to use a pen and paper sometimes though! Wonderful that free lessons are being offered. :)
That's fantastic Kathy! I love it when they get the hang of it. The 94yr old gentleman I care for is stone deaf so loves his email to communicate with most people. Within his home, Carers and visitors use pen and paper to communicate so we have a good use of both means of communication! Have a great day!
It was from my father I got my love of all things computing, I remember when he bought his first desktop pc, it was very exciting!
Do you know, I've been sitting here racking my brains....I can remember getting my first portable typewriter (talk about excitement!) but I can't for the life of me, remember exactly how or when I got into computers! I do remember that the Internet for my first computer was on dial up! I'll have to delve into my sub-conscious while I'm asleep and see what I come up with!
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Prior to moving to Utah a decade ago, I was "computer suspicious". My friends had given me business cards with Larry..BC (before computers). What better place to get up to speed than my local Seniors Center (they have trouble with English here, but computing skills are excellent). Now by moving to digital, I have extended my photographic career to 53 years. My old school computer was a slate, with a piece of a slate pencil in a metal holder; my delete a wet rag. A nine year old grand daughter for the last two years has gone to school in Canberra with a iPad 2 (her class is paperless). Since I aim to live forever ~ so far so good ~ I need to keep up. Thanks for your great blog, inspiration and suggestions that resistance is futile. Larry
Lovely reply Larry, thank you! And well done to you...onwards and upwards!