Older people aren't too old to learn how to adapt to new tech. But we do need to learn new ways to look at a problem, a new way to think when faced with a tech-related dilemma. We may not see & consider all the possible or probable solutions as young users seem to do quite naturally, but we sure can learn to do it. Practice makes progress!
In the 90s I was responsible for training thousands of users to connect to computers and large Financial Systems (Oracle Financials). I learnt first hand that people needed a whole new way of learning. I was the go-between the consultants and the users, translating the tech to the users. Now close to 70, I like to keep up with tech but find I am applying the same learning process to myself that I applied to my students back then. It takes time! And yes I would love to be on the testing team for gadgets these days they think they have explained well!
So let me get this straight…you are making me jump through technical hoops to make sure that I am who I say I am on a website that I am registered with to make a comment about the didiculty
Ah, the Infinite Loop of Stupid. Applies to so many things...and there's no question that truly smart tech would work for ALL users. I've always said I shouldn't have to read the effing manual.
Older people aren't too old to learn how to adapt to new tech. But we do need to learn new ways to look at a problem, a new way to think when faced with a tech-related dilemma. We may not see & consider all the possible or probable solutions as young users seem to do quite naturally, but we sure can learn to do it. Practice makes progress!
In the 90s I was responsible for training thousands of users to connect to computers and large Financial Systems (Oracle Financials). I learnt first hand that people needed a whole new way of learning. I was the go-between the consultants and the users, translating the tech to the users. Now close to 70, I like to keep up with tech but find I am applying the same learning process to myself that I applied to my students back then. It takes time! And yes I would love to be on the testing team for gadgets these days they think they have explained well!
So let me get this straight…you are making me jump through technical hoops to make sure that I am who I say I am on a website that I am registered with to make a comment about the didiculty
This was very helpful. In particular, I have the same problem with updating the substack app. Unfortunately, my phone is too old. Much like me.
Ah, the Infinite Loop of Stupid. Applies to so many things...and there's no question that truly smart tech would work for ALL users. I've always said I shouldn't have to read the effing manual.
Thanks, Robyn. It's reassuring to know it's not easy, even for someone with your background and experience.
My wife has a newer model Iphone and I have no idea how to operate it.
True, although sad to say, years of practice have resulted in only miniscule progress. But we soldier on!
See… I accidentally hit the send button trying to correct the typo
This is such a frustrating topic that is not fixable for people over maybe 25
I truly debated even making a comment on this as you know my feelings about this topic
I should have listened to myself and just read a book 🙄