Why elderly cannot easily get accustomed to new technologies

I am one of those older people. I would very much like bigger numbers and letters, less applications for a single small thingie and maybe a good old fashioned booklet with step by step instructions on how to use it. The booklet, of course, would have to be "normal", that is, not a downloadable book but one with pages.

It varies with the person, but I can't even teach my mom to use a new remote. She's just used to the one she has, and doesn't want to learn anything else.

I'm not that old but I do not like to try new technology, all my Tv's are still older and I don't have a fancy cell phone either, I figure if it's not broken why get new stuff just because everybody else does

Not really true. I am not that old, but I still like my Nokia phone, whereas my mum is using the smartphone, and she has Facebook while I do not have. It is a matter of interest.

Not sure.They just have to learn.I am 85 and loved it and learning all the time. They have a lot of gadget to help them to learn.Try a class or have some young person to come in and volunteer their services.Consumer Cellular phone will help them.Their sons or daughter can help them. There is a lot out there.But first do they want to learn?

The transformation depends upon the society in which they live. In conservative society the transformation is very difficult but in modern society it is much easier. Any to transform to modern technology it take it's own time,, especially grandchildren can contribute for this more than son/daughter.

I am used to my laptop, but can't do everything - My phone is about 10 years old, still functioning, but I would need one with a better battery and a little more modern. Maybe have to find one that is easy to use... I think we elder don't like too many new things..

An older person once explained to me that older people are slower because they already have so much in their heads. I am one of the "older ones" and I am surprised at how many people even older than me are on sites like myLot. I think physically devices with larger buttons, larger screens and not so "touchy" are probably best.

my mom's a bit tech savvy but my dad, kind of like typical elders, refuses to learn. Probably because we're there to do it for him. I sometimes say "no" on purpose so he wouldn't have a choice but to figure it out. I know it's bad, but how else would he learn.

Teach from their way of looking at things. Buy a TV or cell phone that is easy to use and one that has large lettering for easy use. Instead of thinking how we would look at this new technology try to see it from their position.

I really don't know as I am not familiar with all that is out there. Hopefully someone can be of more help!

My mom is not interested with the new gadgets she is contented with her old cellphone

I think some of the older people become intimidated by new technology. So get something that modern but not overly complex. take the time to sit with them and show them how to work the basic functions that they will use the most. Write it down for them in easy to read instructions make them do it so that they have hands on experience and you can always make a picture booklet for them of you demonstrating what they need to do step by step and print it out for them images help sometimes it helps you remember better without having to read it. Good luck I know what you are going through because the older people in my life constantly call me to fix their technological mishaps lol.

It seems to me that older people today are becoming more comfortable with new technology. For example, as I understand it the biggest group of new Facebook users recently have been the older generation.

I'm currently 72, so I might be considered one of the older ones. What throws me most about computers and portable electronic devices is the constant changes. You need to update, and afterwards your files may have been moved around and you have to spend time figured out where they went and how to use them again. TThsi happened right before my last surgery while I was trying to finish a bunch of work and all the folders but the library folders disappeared from the left side of my Windows Explorer on my Windows 7 PC. It took me a couple of hours to find them and put them back where I could use them again and then there were more folders than I wanted put there. I still don't know why they just disappeared during the update. Big buttons are great, but it's the constant changes and updates that drive me crazy. I've never had to worry about updating my landline or getting viruses on it.

@klontol I agree with @marguicha and bagarad here.

My Dad has no desire to do the computer or have a cell phone. He is 78 and is not technical at all.