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Recently an older friend told me he'd like to know if his old friends were on Facebook. He had moved many times in his long life and eventually lost touch with his old contacts, you know how it is. Since I knew he owned a PC plus Internet I was about to ask him why he wouldn't simply take a look online. After all, he was perfectly capable of inputting names like Krzysztof Szyszkowitz himself! I got his answer before I could ask and it drove me mad inside. Facebook was new to him, certainly very complicated and generally, at his age… Frankly, that's a shame. He didn't lack the motivation or doubt their controversial privacy policies, he simply thought himself incapable. But why? Any moderately sane person familiar with mouse and keyboard can do so much more with their computer! "If I can show you ten guys with the IQ of a fire hydrant that made it onto Facebook, will you promise me that you'll give it a try?"
Sure, there's fear of the unknown. But just like there's no button that destroys your PC, the Internet is not a cesspool of criminals. Many believe, though, that it only takes a single wrong click on a banner and you will have purchased a fridge. Hit another wrong button and you're bank account will be empty. Things don't happen that fast! A decent security software coupled with a healthy dose of common sense will allow you to safely navigate the Internet. There's a couple of fanatics and obviously escaped lunatics on the Web but they're out there on the streets, too. If you use unfamiliar applications, the worst that can happen is that they simply won't wor I. Nobody will get hurt in the process and your PC won't burst into flames, I promise!
Another opinion I frequently encounter is that it takes a university degree and a wealth of technical knowledge to move freely on the Internet or accomplish certain goals with your computer. You have to differentiate: If your goal is to set up a server or rebuild New York as a 3D model you will need expert knowledge and experience. And no one can simply fire up Photoshop and know all the ins and outs of this complex photo editor right away. But is that really what you're going for? Try out applications before you judge them as too complex or time-consuming. Many companies (yes, this includes Ashampoo) invest a lot of time and effort into making software that anyone can use without prior knowledge. Social networks are designed in a way so that you only need to read what's on your screen to quickly set up your profile. Whether you agree to Facebook & Co. spying on your privacy is up to you.
When the legs refuse to work - but the head doesn't!
Being afraid to ask is another unnecessary hindrance. You don't have to rely on friends and relatives, the Internet is a treasure trove of helpful advice! Numerous sites, millions of forums and also YouTube videos (frequently underestimated) will explain anything you can think of. It may take a while to find the right site but remember there's usually more than one page to the search results even if people barely look beyond the first results. Using search engines will broaden your horizon and, in my view, will teach you the basics of the Internet. Allow me to let you in on a secret - everyone uses Google. Even the venerable Ashampoo admins that practically live in perfect symbiosis with their servers do their research on Google just like us mere mortals. The beauty of it: The more you know, the more you will be able to grasp automatically since everything's related. There's a common thread and once you get the principle behind it you will recognize it in many applications.
Our average lifespans are increasing. Back in the day, once your health started to deteriorate you were cut off from many activities. My grandfather used to mainly look out the window, read the newspaper and rejoice at sportscasts. Today, you can marvel at the natural beauty of Iceland live on your PC, discover the old masters and find new sites and forums every day. You can still learn new languages, stay in touch with friends and family and listen to any song imaginable even if you're no longer as mobile as you used to be. Even with your rollator next your sofa, the knowledge and wisdom of the world is just a few mouse clicks away. I consider this a gift no one should pass up on!
If you thought of a specific person while reading this article - show it to them. I know this affects all age groups (I like that) and maybe you can make a person's life a little better and more colorful. You may be old but you're not dead yet so why not stay curious and hungry for the world and its people until the last day? You can still find your way into the digital age at the age of 70 or over. Not interested? Not a problem, I can totally understand that. Even as a computer scientist, I know that people can live without computers and the Internet. But if you're looking over your grandchild's shoulder in fascination but doubt you'll be able to do it yourself - be brave! It's not witchcraft. All it takes is a little motivation, some concentration and an ounce of willpower. What's there to lose? What I would like to know: When did you first start using a PC or cellphone? Any late bloomers among us? And of course: Who's the chairman of seniority? :)
перший комп'ютер товариш склепав приблизно у 1986 році.робився окремий вихід на телевізор, програми записані на магнітофонних касетах. з цього часу багато води потекло...якщо раніше хотів з кимось побачитись -домовлявся про зустріч.тепер досить зайти через ,,скайп". можливо, відчуженість один від одного це плата за прогрес.але це одна з тих речей яких не уникнути.
I am 67. I have been involved with computers for over 40 yrs, I built my first one in 1976, Z80 processor, 32Kb ram, and an audio cassette for storage, I have also written and run a program on an IMSAI. I have also worked my way through most of the operating systems from 8080 machine code, CPM, UNIX, the standalones like the TRS 80, commodores, Amigas , all versions of MSDOS, PCDOS, most windows versions to Win8 which I uninstalled from my new laptop and replaced it with 7, why? because I objected to MS having installed several Gigs of advertising and 'apps' which I didn't need, didn't want and didn't ask for, along with the appalling intrusive registration process. I am on face book with limitations I have 5 "friends", I joined when my sister moved overseas so we could sent pictures to each other, due to the size limitations on emails, although I am not sure why I need to see pictures of her dinner, I still talk to her on the phone we have a VOIP setup. I spent my last five years of work looking at a screen, talking on a phone or both, the last thing I want to do in retirement is to spent all day sitting here reading 2 line tweets, or watching stupid videos of stupid people. I keep in contact with people mainly by emails, which I check each morning, the rest of my time is spent doing real things, I am involved several organisations, I paint, I tend my garden which supplies some of my food, I walk, listen to music, attend concerts and sporting events. I do use my computer for other things but as a tool and a reference source. Likewise my phone is used for conversations I have turned off the internet link, I have no need for emails, tweets or FB messages while I am out, they can wait. It is the height of bad manners and ignorance to sit in a restaurant or theatre poking the screen of a phone. So fellow oldies learn to use your devices but remember, like me you probably only have 20 good years left so use them wisely.
I spent many years in IT - as it was called. Computers were an everyday part of the job and by the time I stopped working, there was a laptop with a docking station on every desk which everyone used all day every working day - me included.
I thought my interest would be less but I was wrong. I now have the leisure to explore the internet and the rich variety it offers from news through entertainment to the latest discovery.
Being older, I have a different (and I think more critical ) point of view than many of the young device addicted young people I know. Here's the interesting thing....they often want to discuss what they are seeing through their surfing. Several have asked for my opinion about the "latest hot topic" ..... politics or religion or even computing.
There is an old saying about "being as old as you feel". And with the internet at my fingertips, I do not feel any older. It allows me to be mentally active, stay informed and keeps me thinking about the world we live in.......with commentary like this blog.
I will be 80 this year - but I am about 26 from the neck up! After retirement I taught myself 'computer' and I find the Internet invaluable for researching and preparing Music Appreciation classes that I give. I also use a smartphone.
Well said, Sven!
I am 73 and I say quite truthfully (and without false modesty!) that my family, my children and many younger friends often come to me for computer advice. I relish the prospect of trying to sort out hardware and software problems, and of learning to use unfamiliar software, because I am convinced that the most effective route to cognitive longevity is learning new stuff!
My first computer was a Sinclair ZX81, bought in the early 1980s. I went to evening classes to learn how to programme in Basic, and I've been an avid computer user ever since.
Dear People Who Don't Like Facebook,
YOU control, your house, your car, your contents insurance, car insurance, the bills you get for CONTROLLING what you use, gas, electricity, water, fuel, food, beer, wine, rent, rates, mortgage, holiday destinations and so on.
You probably read what you are billed for, the fine print to make sure you are not being charges one cent too much, Oi-Vey.
Facebook is no different, read the fine print, read the instructions, all there for YOU to control.
All who have a driving licence, a bank account, a rent notice, a mortgage, a Medicard, a Pension card, a credit card, a birth certificate, marriage certificate, a telephone, a store delivery when you gave your name and address, a voting card on the electoral role, member of a club, and some people go to the bank, deposit the cash with a bank book so that no-one can rip you off with a credit card, you are secret and hidden...........
Oh, you think so, the bank sends YOUR information over the Internet, licence renewal, over the Internet, pay a bill in an office, gas, electricity, YOUR profile travels over the Internet,
Wherever you go, whatever we do, we always are doing it together.....that's a song.
Go join Facebook, read the print and become (almost) anonymous ... but sitting at home, sending email to family and friends, looking up an old popular singer on the Internet.
Your face is on a camera at the supermarket or cinema, you cannot run, you cannot hide, go to Facebook and talk to family and friends all over the world, your fears are unjustified, YOU, your identity, every snippet of information relating to YOU since the day YOU were born is in many files around the world.
Look up at a CCTV camera and give the British V-sign, why you want to hide and make YOUR life complicated, hang your washing in the street and tell the world ... up yours!
We’ll drink a fine cup of tea as a toast to you shortly.:)
I have two unrelated lady customers I still occasionally help when their computers go wrong, who are each 97. They must have been approaching retirement when they first met 'micro' computers (remember that term?) since even the most primitive ones appeared only in about 1975. Work it out.
When I was approaching retirement last century I took a tech company from having three computers and dozens of dot matrix printers to having 90 computers and a Laserjet in each open-plan office. The new quiet was astonishing. After that I didn't get the chance to retire, I was made redundant...
I still help people with computer problems, and don't reveal my own age except to the 10,000 or so companies who insist on using my date of birth as an alleged security check. Suffice to say, I feel I have a moderate chance of making 97 myself!
Hi Sven,
A great article.
I hear negatives on many occassions from seniors, "I am too old ...rah, rah."
I reply that in their lives they have learned to operate an immense amount of equipment and machinery from putting a key in a door lock to using a washing machine, oven, cooking, vacuuming, a telephone, a lawnmower, a TV then a remote unit, driving a vehicle, and many more applications at work and home.
My wife's Mum is 85, and 6 months ago did not want to know about computers. "Too complicated" she would cry.
She reads many books, complains about small print, so we bought her an Android tablet, we went through a couple of weeks giving her daily lessons in the operations on the tablet, many lesson by telephone and now she is somewhat of an 'expert', and a few weeks ago bought her an Android 'phone, she liked the functions similar to her tablet, except when a call came through initially she automatically and subconciously thought she was turning a book page, when the 'phone rang she 'swiped' from right to left and called it a 'stupid 'phone'.
Now that she swipes from left to right to answer a call, she is a competent user of both the tablet and 'phone.
With age comes stubbornness in many people, and negativity without first 'having a go'.
Many years ago I gave my parents their first computer. It had Windows 95 on it and I set them up with Juno E-mail (free at the time). Upon showing them the basic much to my surprise my dad never wanted to learn it and mom embraced it. Even though it took her a hour to write her first e-mail to me and equally long to my brothers and sisters. Many of my parents relatives had email address's and soon my mom loved her nightly read her e-mails. She used Facebook later on and delighted in reading about all her kids and grandchildren.
For all the people worried about Facebook information to my current knowledge it doesn't check if you really went to school in Indiana or California as I accidentally added in mine. Facebook is a big mix of good and bad you find what your looking for. In my mother case Facebook and email was one big never ending letter in her life. Oh yes her email and typing skills got better. Not bad for a girl who never went past the 6th grade.
Basically, a Computer is an Electronic Moron. The secret is for one to become slightly moronic and a person and a computer can get along quite well together.
I am not "old" at 54, am very computer savvy, and want absolutely NOTHING to do with Facebook. While briefly on Facebook, I had tons of people want to "friend" me that I wanted nothing to do with, friends posting every day how long it took to get to work, every movement of every day. ENOUGH! If I want to get in touch with someone I will do some other kind of search to find them. If they have unlisted phone numbers as I do, perhaps (like me) they don't want to be bothered!
I find this article fascinating because I can relate it to friends I know.(my age is 80) I am going to give them a copy hoping it will increase their confidence with PC,s etc . The only downside is that it going to spoil a good humorous email topic!
i rather wonder if surviving citizens of the DDR remember the Stasi?
I think Facebook would be Stasi website if there were an internet back then.
I'm 65. Started playing video games when Atari came along. Bought my first "computer" when Commodore Vic-20 was released. I've continued to enjoy game systems and computers as newer & newer ones have come out. I met my wife on the net, she's 69 and also loves computers. But her older sister absolutely refuses to use a PC because she's convinced they're too complicated. But at least she has a cell phone like we do. However, my wife & I do not see a need for the larger touch-screen devices; all of our internet needs & photos can be handled by the computers & tablets at home or through our digital cameras.
Thank you for the article, it hit the point and was well written, even if I'd never heard of the word :rollator" before. :)
On Facebook, I've re-connected with friends from High School (1963-1967), and other friends from my 20's, as well as found new friends all over the world, with similar interests and values. You can learn to spot the people who aren't worth your time fairly easily by looking at their Facebook pages, before you accept the Friend request. And if you make an error, just block the person. It's not the end of the world! We all learn, one step at a time. We just mostly forget that it takes trying and learning.
Computers can be intimidating to "Old People" like me. The primary reason , at least to mw, was that they are TOO FAST after you hit "Enter". Did I scre up? What happened to the data I entered? Did I erase everything? And that was some 29 years ago when I was 50. Never took a course and learned WordPerfect and Lotus 1-2-3 to help me work better. I must clarify that my wife at the time hated the computer because once I got in front of the machine the rest of the world did disappeared. It was a big factor for my third and last divorce. A computer is intimidating but not fr what most people thing. Yes, it is fast but I believe the primary reason is "patience" to learn . . .But once you get it . . .it is fun. As to the other side of the coin, the "social" side . . . we have to recognize that the World has moved from the "personal", "one on one" or "on in a group" to one in the internet "Social Media". unfortunately but true. It has destroyed not only face to face communication but it is even destroying languages and families as well.
This is the bad part of computers.
you mention the 10 guys withe fire hydrant iq on facebook. you forgot about the other 500 million. someone who has reached a certain age with a certain amount of sense will look at face book and quickly realize that it is not time well spent. people don't "lose touch" accidentally. they don't care. that's ok. trying to find people you do not care about is a real waste of your remaining years. basically you just want to know if you out lived them. you will be very sorry if you reestablish old ties that you cut long ago. don't poke the past with a stick. go out and make a present. and possibly a cool future.
A quite pessimistic view! :)
Hello Sven,
Great article today, but are you certain that English speaking readers recognise the word "rollator"? Sounds like a German word for part of a typewriter to me, even though my wife in her wisdom tells me. It means a device for helping people with walking difficulties.
Not quite 71, I am an avid see of Ashampoo software products which help me avoid the pitfalls of using Microsoft's Windows programs. I actively seek out new solutions to many of today's everyday problems including running an English language course for a group of retired professional folk at the local senior citizens education centre. That is a headache in its own right, I can tell you.
In my group, most people use a PC and the Internet. Fortunately, they are wise enough not to give away their personal life by using Facebook and the like. By the way, just when will Facebook start to contribute equitably to the European taxman? Reason enough to avoid Facebook!
More blog content like yours will be most welcome.
We’ve checked beforehand that “rollator” is a valid word aside from wheeled walker or walking aid. If you know of a better term I’d be happy to adjust the article.
Only 78 and have been using computers (and written some books about them) since the DOD days. Great fan of Ashampoo software and wish you would latch onto some of the EU Digital Divide and Aging philosophies, particularly adapting one of your programs so that we can easily keep a portable database of all our health issues to provide quick access to the many hospital still relying on paper records.
I wonder if legal issues over liability and security will prevent online health databases from ever working properly, and the only solution will be for patients to take responsibility and maintain and carry with them all the time a portable health database so that it is available in an emergency as well as for routine consultations. There are some nifty memory sticks as jewelry that would be suitable.
Comments on this concept would be appreciated.
Very nicely written. I have been plodding around computers since 1984. That means I was 25 when I started. I had no instruction on that "given to me" old Apple 2+. I learned to write my newspaper stories, I was for a bit a newspaper reporter. To many 25 would seem to be a bit old to get into computers. lol
One of the first things I say is that you are not going to screw up the computer or at least beyond fixing. Sometimes I say they won't hurt it if they do something wrong.
It never works though. I have yet to teach an older like me now 56 year old to use a computer. They have a mental block. Trying to get them to adapt to a different world as they see it doesn't work.
However, they certainly know how to use that damn TV/Cable remote. LOL
Times have changed. When I think back to the problems associated with incompatible drivers and the dreaded blue screen of death associated with Windows 98, dial up modems etc, life seems a lot easier now. But is it? I am now running Windows 10, and at irregular intervals when I switch it off it decides to do an update, and I have to let it run its course. Failure to do that results in future misery. Similarly my virus checker is always busy updating itself, as are numerous other programs. I'm happy enough to live with this - but a new computer user might get very frustrated. So, if you haven't taken the plunge and want to get up to speed with internet searching, emails and social networking, I would recommend getting an iPad - it's so much easier to get to grips with.
I'm obviously the kid on this particular block at 71 and a half, but I enjoy computers and use them every day to keep in touch with the world.
I had to retire a year ago due to ill health but that was no problem. Through e-mail and Facebook I keep in touch with everyone I want to, all over the world.
I am an amateur historian (i.e. I don't get paid for it!) and do most of my research online, and have made some great discoveries. I have set up a small publishing company and have 15 books published so far, written by me or others. All the artwork - including widely praised covers - I design on computer.
I use Photoshop for some basic work (removing a complex background from photos, retouching pics etc) but 99% of my work is done in PowerPoint - one of the most versatile programs around. I give talks and lectures on a variety of topics and create unique PowerPoint presentations that, in some cases, are almost movies.
On one occasion I had the IT lecturer from a third level college here come after me after a talk to as how I had done what I did - he knew it was PowerPoint but didn't believe it possible!
I produce technical drawings in PowerPoint and do things even Microsoft have told me the program cannot do.
I recently went back to University and the IT lecturer there has asked me to show him how I do what I do!
My secret is simple. I don't have time to learn complex programs any more, so I have learned this one program well. it has become my workhorse and, with a good PDF maker, I can produce anything.
My age is not a problem and my computer has freed me from all the problems associated with retirement. I hope when I get old I will continue to enjoy.
Thank you for "kid of the block" at 71 1/2! :) I nearly fell off my chair.
I'm an 81 year old who teaches Golden Oldies how to get the best from their PC, tablet or phone. Do's and Don'ts, what to do if things go wrong and on and on. I encourage them to install the latest version of Ashampoo Optimizer and avoid the practice of pressing every key in sight when things go wrong! I also ask them all to use Paper and Pen (Gasp, surely not actual Paper!) to write down all passwords and keep them in a safe place. The above article is very interesting. The only sentence that made me smile concerned Facebook. Most of the people I know that live on Facebook have the combined IQ of a fire hydrant. "Here is a picture of the Starter which I eat at The People's Pantry" Oh, goody. Anyway folks, whatever you do with your various devices, above all else have fun
Keith
Well, I am 85 years old and still enjoying my PC.
I mainly spend my time developing rather complicated desktop apps ( for free ) for my family and friends.
I have no interest and time for Facebook and siblings.
My contacts are made thru Skype.
May I add that I am a staunch supporter of your softs?
Best regards to your staff
I think you're underestimating the difficulty of using a PC. I'm an IT person myself (not an old one, just middle aged), but I know some old people who have trouble with tech (like my mother), and some who use computers but sometimes struggle.
Even just learning to use a mouse and keyboard is quite a task. A mouse takes time to get used to and the letters on the keyboard are just all over the place, their position doesn't make sense, and when you need to spend seconds finding each letter it just doesn't seem like a very productive tool.
Sure it can be learned, but is the benefit that great?
As for the internet being safe, well, it is if you have an IT person at your beck and call. Even then everyone (I mean naive users) installs unwanted stuff once in a while. You're inundated with enough messages to okay that when your browser asks you if you want that you just say yes. I've uninstalled enough unwanted stuff that the users had no idea how it got on their PC.
Then there are the times when things just don't work. I helped an elderly neighbour with Skype problems, and I still have no idea how to fully solve them (although I found a way to bypass the problem). And I've been using computers most of my life.
So yes, it's good to learn new things, but PC's are terribly complicated, they break easily with just a bad update that Microsoft happened to force your way, and so it's quite natural that some people stay away from them.
I've heard that older people take better to iPads because they're simpler. Still, my mother struggled with a VCR or advanced feature phone use (let alone smartphone), and she does try. So I'm not inclined to judge people who don't use modern devices. It's just too hard for some people, and it's too easy for those who grew in a world of complex devices to think it's easy.
I don’t think it’s easy (I know enough examples of people having issues with their PC or smartphones) but I believe it’s doable and worth it. Especially, when other options of looking at the world and experiencing novelty are no longer available.