An eStanley reader comments on older adults and their resistance to technology and computers.
A friend of mine recently, at my suggestion, resisted getting a cell phone. Finally he relented and now uses it like an appendage; even gave up his land phone. Resistance to new technology, seems to me, to be part fear of things new, lack of knowledge, inertia, and not having it as part of our life as youngsters…we might prefer pin ball games, say, to video games or jogging to pilates. Once past the resistance, though, it’s full speed ahead. My older brother uses a computer, but wants no part of cell phones, or blogs, or twitters- or facebook, etc. Using myself, as an example: Blueray is probably advanced technology, but it means going from a technology that I know (DVD, DTV, etc.) to one that I know nothing about. We’re also wary that the technology is deliberately changed, so that we have to replace stuff we have (analog) with stuff that’s gonna cost us money (digital). DVR (Recording for a later time) is superb and convenient. My contemporaries want no part of it. Perhaps if there were meetings to discuss “progress”, and the reasons for it, more of us older folks would get on board…
Yet all the new statistics suggest a large increase in older adults engaging in technology, computers, and social networking platforms. Engaging online may be the newest form of civic engagement and becoming active in your communities. I agree with the comment that old school “chat rooms” where people actually sit around a table is a great way to meet older people where they are comfortable and begin to take small steps at engaging more older adults online. Training, education, focus groups, and user-friendly discussions are always the best way to confront fear and change.
June 30, 2009 at 3:28 pm
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