Am I too old to learn technology?

65nspry

65nspry

New Member
I am writing this because I'm sure there are many, like me, who got left behind in the computer/technology age. I had joined this forum to try to get some info (and have gotten some great information BTW). I've always hated computers and I especially hate "smart" phones - (but phones are another matter). About the best thing that ever happened to me (technology-wise) was that I learned to type back in my highschool days (long time ago but still stuck) which I'm proud of, but as far as the computer goes, I never got past pulling up the internet or a word document, (although have emailed quite a bit). But I just never mastered much about the computer. Anyway, a friend of mine showed me some youtube videos he said he thought would really help me get past my hesitation of really learning the computer, he said 'it's easier to learn from someone you know you're smarter than'. He was right, I'm on my way! Never give up!
 

I took my daughters old computer when she came home from college. She majored in computer animation and taught me the basics, which was not easy. When I needed a new one she chose the one to fit my needs.
I'm glad I learned what I did. The computer can be a lifesaver when it comes to filling out forms ahead of time, shopping or just finding information.
My daughter is now married and lives about 5 hours away. When the computer decides it doesn't want to cooperate with me I give her a call and she has a program that allows her to take over my computer and resolve the problem.
Very relaxing to see her moving the little arrow from place to place checking this or that while I sit with a cup of coffee watching.
If I didn't have her for backup I'm sure my computer would be buried in the back yard by now.
A computer is a wonderful invention but when it turns on you it can get ugly. lol
 
Last week, a friend gave me a brand new Trakfone smart phone. It is still sitting unopened in its box and will likely remain there until the last trumpet sounds for me. I like my flip phone.

I'm a ham radio operator so technology isn't a puzzle to me, I just don't need, want or like a smart phone.
 

I never owned a computer until a month before I retired in 2011.I would use the one at work strictly for in office messages that was it. I did own something called'mailstation' which I hooked to my phone jack.I could send emails but couldn't receive attachments My siblings kept telling me to buy a computer so I could get use to 'surfing the web'. My late next door neighbor,Gerry who was 'computer savy' went with me to Office Depot where I bought a HP Windows 7,computer.
It took me awhile to get use to it,made mistakes along the way,began to enjoy it.The only thing I didn't like were the endless updates which took forever
After much research knowing Windows 7{ I never converted to Windows 10} would be ending in Jan 2020, a friend took me to Best Buy in July 2019,bought a HP Chromebook because I wanted something different. The 'geek squad' tech came to my apt,transferred everything to chromebook,took my computer/tower except for the hard drive.It took me a couple days to adjust to going from 20-14 inch screen.I certainly don't miss having to deal with Windows 10 updates,this is so much better
 
65nspry said:
I am writing this because I'm sure there are many, like me, who got left behind in the computer/technology age. I had joined this forum to try to get some info (and have gotten some great information BTW). I've always hated computers and I especially hate "smart" phones - (but phones are another matter). About the best thing that ever happened to me (technology-wise) was that I learned to type back in my highschool days (long time ago but still stuck) which I'm proud of, but as far as the computer goes, I never got past pulling up the internet or a word document, (although have emailed quite a bit). But I just never mastered much about the computer. Anyway, a friend of mine showed me some youtube videos he said he thought would really help me get past my hesitation of really learning the computer, he said 'it's easier to learn from someone you know you're smarter than'. He was right, I'm on my way! Never give up!
Click to expand...
Oh my goodness..of course one is never too old to learn technology! Good for you for moving forward! I get frustrated at times because so many of us did not grow up with computers but having them adds so much to our lives. My daughter has helped me tremendously to learn how easy it is to get help. I love using Alexa and my iphone and laptop and can't imagine life without utube or google. No more trecks to the library or encyclopedia for info!
 
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I worked on/repaired computers my entire working career. However, technology advances so rapidly, that I would be almost worthless in that arena if I had to go back to work, after being retired for nearly 20 years. I prefer a desktop, as I can still fix those if mine breaks....laptops and tablets are almost a "throw away" if they break. Insofar as software, and using PC's, I'm of the opinion that staying current with the latest revision of software, and updating regularly, is the best way to avoid "issues". Some of the Windows updates are fairly long, but If your download/upload speed is fairly fast...I have 100MB....the updates are fairly unnoticeable....and I schedule any Restarts for the middle of the night. Insofar as actually "using" a PC, there are hundreds of tips and videos on the Internet that answer almost any question.
 
I'm a dinosaur. I was introduced to vacuum tube electronics in the service. In college we had a course in analog computers. We walked to another college to see their room filling digital main frame computer. The computers that ran some equipment in one of the first places I worked had punched paper tape to program it. Much later, at the places I worked, computers were used more like a typewriter for logging reports. My first PC at home was my nephew's Packard Bell with Windows 95. I've upgraded since then and I can get around pretty well now just doing what it is I do which isn't a whole lot.
 
Llynn said:
Last week, a friend gave me a brand new Trakfone smart phone. It is still sitting unopened in its box and will likely remain there until the last trumpet sounds for me. I like my flip phone.

I'm a ham radio operator so technology isn't a puzzle to me, I just don't need, want or like a smart phone.
Click to expand...
i've had trac-phones for years. have seen that look it sometimes gets... snooty, looking DOWN the nose in superiority. but i don't care. i'm NPT one of those who is glued to the device. for me, money IS an object. the phone cost me $9.99 and a full years worth of service was a little over $100. i worked with special needs HS kids. there was one girl whose heart just about stopped (a huge exaggeration) whenever anybody's phone rang. i'm sure it made her a little nuts when i didn't dive for my phone.

most people assume i'm too old. i'm never gonna sit and watch any serious amount of stuff on that little screen. and most people are LOUSY teachers! and instructions/directions that begin with "you just...." will not end well.
 
I do not think you are too old...especially with learning basic computer skills, like managing social media, or Word documents. You made it here..so that is a plus.
I got my first computer back in my 40s. My brother bought it for me, came over, set it up, said this is how you turn it on and off. Have fun. This was in early 90s, when the internet was still young. I rarely left AOL. But I was interested enough to keep at it. I took a couple classes and just kept trying to learn more.
Right now, at 67, I can navigate things OK. To at least manage my interests.
Just ask questions here, if you have any
 
You're never too old to learn technology. I've always run Windows computers and learned much about them. When I was 65 years old that was 5 years ago I decided to buy an iMac 27 inch. I didn't know anything about a Mac. Well today I'm doing pretty good on it after going through a learning curve from Windows. So you're never too old to learn. ;)
 
I'm kind of proud I was one of the first kids ( I was in my late 40s) on my block to get a computer. It was just me and millions of others, who bought their first computer. Now, in this culture, you have to be computer literate, as you have to be able to read , and write. I know just enough to get by. There's my MD office, there are lots of MDs there. You have to know computer basics to check in, etc. I don't know how my mom & dad would have been able to do even that, It's not are you "too old," it's "you got to." Today, not learning technology is tantamount to not learning your ABCs. And your brain isn't that old and decrepit that you can't learn it.
 
I spent my working life in high tech and one day realized I lost interest. The work was satisfying for a time but I eventually lost interest and happily have fallen by the wayside.

Get a horse!
 

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