DON’T BE IMPATIENT WHEN INTRODUCING OLD PEOPLE TO NEW TECHNOLOGY

Some days back I saw a young boy in a restaurant shouting at his mother when, despite his best efforts, she could not understand how to send an audio message. “Mom, you need not try to be all savvy. Just leave it and make a normal call,” was his unwelcome suggestion.

I didn’t like what he said, but, at the same time, his rude tone made me feel guilty as on many occasions I too have lost my patience while helping my parents understand new technologies.

The point here is that if we intentionally or unintentionally fuel insecurity and lack of confidence in an elderly person about the use of new technologies we must remember that soon we’ll too reach that stage ourselves. While handling new technology comes easily to us because of our constant use, the elderly have to start from scratch. Consequently, they find it tough and intimidating, often struggling with the basics.

It’s the same when in our pre-primary days they would teach us the letters of the alphabet. Did they ever shout at us because we couldn’t frame sentences? Now, when the roles are reversed, we should also treat them with the same love and patience they showed us in our childhood.

Remember, holding a smartphone in your hand does not make you ‘smart’. Being able to give back to someone, who patiently taught you everything in life, does. (Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers The views expressed are personal)