It seems 73-year-old Shirley Barrowclough is one of the growing numbers of pensioners embracing the digital age. With her 'can't beat 'em' attitude, Barrowclough may have taken her first computer lesson at the ripe age of 67, yet in the time since she has not only mastered email and Google searches, she keeps tabs of her daughter, who lives in Florida, via YouTube presentations.
“It’s another way of keeping in touch,” says Oakville resident, Barrowclough. “You have to keep at [using technology]; you can’t just do it once and not go back.”
Barrowclough is just one shining example of how older generations are bridging the age gap and embracing Skype, Facebook, even texting to keep up with grandkids.
When it comes to keeping in touch with kin, according to founder of the non-profit Elder Technology Assistance Group (ETAG) Chris Bint, age needn't be a barrier. ETAG's young volunteers provide the free tutoring service to seniors in six locations in Halton Region, as well as retirement homes.
Bint notes the older generation, who grew up with rotary phones and typewriters, may never have touched a computer during their working years. But bridging the digital divide between them and their tech-savvy relatives is becoming easier, thanks to new features like touch and slide technology, and simple apps.
Such is the demand that Swedish company Doro is in the midst of developing a Smartphone specifically for seniors.
As for Barrowclough, she's waiting for her daughter Lisa to 'catch up' and open a Skype account so they can do face time. As someone whose parents both own iPhones (while I don't), I can relate.
“It keeps you sharp,” she says. “And it’s surprising how fast you pick up the lingo.”
Are your parents tech savvy? Have they embraced the 'Smart' era, or are they burying their heads in the rabbit hole?
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