If someone handed you an iPad today, would you know how to use it? If you answered yes, consider how well you could use it to its full capabilities. Now, consider how well a 2-year-old can navigate it. It’s amazing how well children can use computers and other technology, almost like it’s instinctive.
But have no fear! It’s never too late to learn. My Grandpa is a prime example. In his late 80s, he was embracing all kinds of new technology.
First, he upgraded his phone from pulse to tone (some of you don’t even know what I’m talking about, that’s how old his previous system was!), and he got call display. Can you even imagine not ever knowing who was calling you? But for my Grandpa, this had been unnecessary, and now it was all new.
Next he got a DVD player and a flat screen tv. Would you believe, until a few years ago, I had a hand-me-down tv from him that had the buttons and dials on it (for those of you who aren’t familiar with this pre-remote concept, here’s a sample pic).
My favourite moment of my Grandpa embracing technology was when he first encountered Skype. Since my mom lives across the country from me, we frequently use Skype to make video calls so she can talk to my son and watch him be a goof. So one day, when my Grandpa was visiting my mom, we had a Skype video call. My Grandpa had never been part of a video call before. He was extremely interested in how it all works, and asked tons of questions throughout the call.
You are never too old to start learning something new. My Grandpa is proof of that. Instead of balking at and ignoring new technology, he was interested in being part of it. I can’t even fathom what he’d think of an iPad if he were still here today, but I bet he would sit in awe as he watched his great-grandchildren showing him how it works!
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