Technological Devices, What Are Those?

Guest Blog by Krystal Saunders

When it comes to the advanced technology in today's world, I find that some seniors, such as my 85-year-old grandmother, have difficulty understanding what some of these new technical gadgets are, and have no idea how to operate them.

My grandma grew up using a house phone with a cord. Along came the cordless phone, which seems to be almost enough for my grandma to handle and understand today. However, when I introduced her to a mobile phone, she appeared to be completely in the dark. I tried to teach her how it worked, but that didn't seem to be going anywhere - I explained that it's just like a home phone, except you can take it with you when you go out. After several attempts at explanations, she started to catch on, but when I told her she had to charge it, well, that was another story altogether.

She moved in with my family and I just over a year ago, and whenever I use my laptop she always has a particular look of curiosity on her face, as she glances over at me. It's almost like she's thinking, "What in the world is that thing?"

As far as the television goes, for my grandma she couldn't believe how much they have increased in size. I've tried to show her how many channels there are now, but that just made things complicated for her. Basic cable is truly enough for someone at her age. I guess I won't try to show her how to stream movies online from a Blackberry PlayBook, and then transfer them onto the big screen. I think I would blow her mind, literally.

Sometimes, I sit and wonder what it must be like for her, not knowing or understanding all the new technology devices developing in today's world. It makes me sad to realize that it's almost as if she is lost and surrounded by people who speak a completely different language.

Although, I must admit that technology is already moving too fast for me. I remember when the Nintendo DS first arrived - I found it so intense to see a game being played on two different screens at the same time that I had to get my little cousin to teach me how it worked.

Therefore, I believe it's not just my grandma, or any senior for that matter, who grew up with little to no technology during their earlier years. But, as technology evolves, it becomes more complicated for each generation to grasp than the current generation that is growing up in a world that has placed technology right at their fingertips as early as the age of two.

Now, that is something that really blows my mind.

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