Are we ready for digital technology

Oric · 05-11-2012, 06:35 AM

The world, trade, social life is changing so fast that us, the digital nomads (those who adapted the e-life after our childhood) have and will have a hard time to adapt our lifestyle to the new world.

My idea and principle is to try every new thing that is "out there", try to be a part of it, persuade my social network to also adapt so that neither I nor them will be lonely in 20 years time. (Imagine our grandma's writing and expecting letters from their Grand children)

Here is one new rising trend, shopping outside, outside the supermarket :

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat...y-station.html

D. Gale · 05-11-2012, 09:51 AM

I was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago, helping my 84-year-old mom set up her new Ipad. She's willing, but her mind just doesn't work the same way as mine, and even less so like my kids, as far as being constantly connected and going online at any time. She has macular degeneration, and I thought it would make it easier for her to use the computer and be online, as well as being easier to stay up to date with emails, skype, etc. However, she just doesn't think to pick it up to shop, or look up information, or even touch the skype button to call me. I tried to call her, but she didn't recognize the skype sound (even though we'd done a test run while I was there). It's there, but it's not THERE for her.

I think willingness is great, but at some point I think the technology can surpass your faculties.

flourbug · 05-11-2012, 10:03 AM

D. Gale, 84 may be too old to adapt personally... but can you imagine if there was a service where a young person would visit an elderly person and go over their week's schedule and needs. They could arrange for a self driving car to come by and pick them up for doctor's appointments, and help them shop for food and order meds online that would be delivered to their doorstep. They could even set up movies to watch on their ipad, or connect to family members via Skype.

Something like I described might just be the new "assisted living" that bridges the gap between being self sufficient and a nursing home.

Potemkin · 05-12-2012, 10:44 AM

I believe almost any old person can be taught to use technology if adapted properly and given training.

Seeing photos of grandchildren and talking to them can be great motivators.

As for Skype I knew one who wanted to use it but had trouble. All that was required was a telephone style handset to make him feel comfortable.

http://www.google.com/search?q=skype...w=1024&bih=672

Mousehound · 05-12-2012, 11:06 AM

Reduced physical and cognitive abilities are the problems using new technology, not age. Motivation sounds good, but it can't bridge some gaps.

Potemkin · 05-12-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mousehound

Reduced physical and cognitive abilities are the problems using new technology, not age. Motivation sounds good, but it can't bridge some gaps.

Which is why I said "almost".

However I think the friends old old people give up too fast, don't give enough instructions or try too much too fast.

I found that sheets of written directions work best. Do this, do that and go through its with them several times.

When they try to explore or when their more capable friends tell them things that is when they get into the weeds.

People also typically miss the accessibility functions of PCs.

What is wrong using 800x600 on their PCs so the icons and letters are larger?

Black and white colors on the monitor? Speakers instead of the PC speakers?

Mousehound · 05-12-2012, 11:31 AM

I have to agree that for those who are physically and mentally able to use new technology, people often give up too easily. The elderly are mostly handicapped by their own fears, IMO. It is something new, it costs money, they are afraid of making mistakes, basically the same things we all fear to some degree.

Mousehound · 05-12-2012, 11:52 AM

Also another factor for teaching the elderly to use new technology is that there have to be teachers around. Many have their children scattered far away, so that quick help is not available, and their friends are in a similar age bracket, with similar problems. It would be nice if there were some kind of IT community service group, maybe from local schools helping people who can't afford to hire help for technical problems. Maybe there is something like this, and I just haven't seen it. Working in home care, I got into trouble a few times for "wasting company time" helping patients by fixing their satellite receivers, video recorders, telephones, etc.