Are you too old for the internet

[gunug]

I first heard this on NPR but didn't get enough details:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/arti...in_page_id=1770

In a slight way I am indeed "concerned" about my mom-in-law and the internet and my aunt and uncle, both in their 70's, are both somewhat gullible in believing and passing on anything that shows up in their email.  But, Krissel knows, I'm a little uncertain in my internet smarts; especially late at night!  

What do you think?

[kcourt]

Well, I am well into my 70's and don't have a problem personally.  I am sceptical of anything that sounds like a great deal.  "If it seems too good to be true, watch out".

I learned a lot of great things from my dad, such as check out everything until you know all the details, and don't ever rush into any deal. I never buy anything over the phone or at my front door.  The only things I buy on the internet are those that I initiate. Even though I am in my sunset years, my dad's good advice still sticks with me.

I do admit that many older folks are trusting of everyone, and some have dementia, which I think is the major problem for many seniors who are taken by various scams.

Just my .02.

Kathy

[Gregg]

I guess it's the same problem presented by door-to-door hucksters and telelmarketers. The internet might make it eaiser to get "a foot in the door" and thus be more dangerous, I suppose.

I'm wondering if I can teach my 85 year old Dad to use e-mail. Probably not - he never had to type anything in his life.

[kimmer]

It is "ageism" and it's ... annoying! Personally, I'd shoot off a letter to that company and I'd wage a campaign against them. I've turned several folks from shopping at a certain store over the past several years, so you can have an impact.

I can understand wanting to protect our seniors, but isn't that the responsibility of their family? Not corperate companies. Besides, you can go to loads of public libraries, internet cafes, etc and use the internet on someone else's computer.

Where does it end? Should we ID everyone who shops and if they are buying what appears to be wasteful junk, refuse to sell to them because they are seniors and might be wasting their food money?

The world is a weird place.

[Jack W]

Hey,

I'm over 70 and use the internet frequently.


nanananana!!!!!

[krissel]

I assume they were just a bit over zealous in their attempt to protect the elderly. If it was here in the US they would be both vilified for 'ageism' and acknowledged for taking a step to avoid lawsuits.

Gregg, you might try showing your Dad the basics. He may find it something to keep his mind occupied. My Dad first used the computer at about 83. He's now 88 and gets his invoices and orders via email on his eMac for the business he is still running. He enjoys looking up stuff on the net and finds a lot of interesting reading.

We're in the process of researching a good scanner that can handle 4x4 slides so he can make digital copies of the many slides he took decades ago.



Gunug, looks like my 'powers' are working.

http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinves...mp;alias=/ht/nw

[MamaMoose]

I am 73 and use the internet for a mryiad of things!

MamaMoose

[Gregg]

QUOTE(krissel @ Sep 5 2006, 03:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gregg, you might try showing your Dad the basics. He may find it something to keep his mind occupied. My Dad first used the computer at about 83.

My next opportunity for that will probably be in October. My sister probably won't have time for that with everything else she is doing, which might include closing Mom's NetZero account. But, if not, I'll see if he wants to learn. My bigger reservation is about using the keyboard, not the mouse.

[gunug]

I seemed to have stirred things a little.

I wouldn't dream of restricting someone's access to the internet because of their age only.  My wife had a 90+ year old "Raging Cajun" uncle who would cruise around Wichita, Kansas at a high rate of speed in a 1990's model T-Bird.  He would get in, put it into drive, and go, without regard to speed and traffic lights.  His son finally clipped his wings and probably if he'd been a person who would have wanted to cruise the net he might have wanted to monitor that a little a guess.  Maybe someday by son's might clip my wings; not soon I hope!  

Jack W: I'm glad you told us who that was in your avatar picture; I knew I recognized her but couldn't place the face!

[Xairbusdriver]

IMHO, "protecting the elderly" is PR talk for "we can cut costs by not having to support these people." I'm always suspicious of any company that decides they don't need a certain group of "customers". I usually find an alternative 'supplier' for whatever it is they 'sell'.

[themagpie]

I agree with ABD.  I'm almost 72 and I have no problems with the internet.

Margie

[gunug]

Krissel - You must tell me what techniques you used to bring about the resolution of the Chinese problems!  

I worked with a teacher who is in her 70's today and outside of speaking to me in Italian (which is the language she thought I was speaking, I've got to do something about my speaking of English    ) she was very sharp and doing well at keeping up with the 3rd graders she was working with.  They had a last minute loss of a teacher they'd hired and this veteran has agreed to step in!

[RHPConsult]

QUOTE

Are you too old for the internet, Some people think people over 70 are!

I BEG your pardon!  

[Gregg]

Speak up there, Dick. I can barely hear you.

[gunug]

Isn't speaking too loudly one of the warning signs that you're too old for the internet?