In the past, my biggest fear of growing older was not wrinkles but the technology gap. Sounds silly, but I really enjoy computers, I took pride in being able to set the clock on the VCR...ooops, DVR. Work the remote. Now, send a text, a picture, what have ya.
When I had this thought, I was working for a health care facility in a department that offered computer classes for the staff as well as senior citizens in the community. These situations provided opportunities to see the gap.In addition to classes, we also proctored test required of new hires, whether clerical or nursing, as part of the hiring process. The classes, of course, were on the computer.
Weekly we went through this process. Most of the time a boring, tedious jump through the hoop. But one afternoon I watched this technology gap, with much self control. The test taker that I was working with had applied for a nursing position. She was probably in her late 50's. She was cheerful, unlike many of the nurses who resented this part of the hiring process. She sat down at the testing computer and I began my explanation. Still cheerful, she was very confused. Turns out she did not know the FIRST thing about a computer. There was no paper option at this step, so we settled in with a quick, basic this is a mouse, this is monitor, etc. As I explained how the questions would appear on the screen and she was too move the mouse and click on the appropriate answer, she picked up the mouse, as if a remote, pointed it at the screen and clicked. I know I should not have wanted to laugh, but I did want to. But it was then that I realized that concerned me more about growing older than many of the other fears folks possess.
Now a few years later, All the buttons on X-boxes and Wii's seem to take from playing the game. I still have Office 2003, Windows XP and a dual VHS/DVD player that sets its own clock and timer that I have to have the room cleared before I can figure it out. If we upgraded to a DVR, I think I would discover the technology gap.
Then today, I purchased a new Flash Drive to copy all my pictures too. Well, it turns out technology should not be the only thing to fear.
How the heck do I get this package open???
7 comments:
Hilarious!! You are so funny!!!! Loved this!!! I totally get this...and that packaging is a nightmare!!! Wonderful post, Lailani! Love, Janine XO
Just stopping by to say "hello," and to send you my love! Janine XO
I never learned to set the time on my VCR
I can so relate! I remember my first experience on this wonderful internet that I had heard so much about. My son, newly graduated from university, and in his first "real" job and apartment, had bought a computer and was on the internet. I wanted to see what it was all about, so he helped me get my bearings, and I was doing pretty well until ... "Help, I can't go any further - I've come to the end of the mousepad!" Both sons and my husband could not control their hilarity at my expense!
I thought I had kept up with technology, but there are levels to technology - and the lower levels lead to a higher risk-gap potential. BTW, I bought ice cream the other day with some funky seal that I could net open (I really did have an major ice cream need at that moment) I finally had to cut into the lid- talk about feeling STUPID!
Just stopping by again to send you my love!! ~Janine XO
Happy Memorial Day, dear Lailani! Love, Janine XO
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