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Learning the ropes of the internet takes a bit of time and a certain level of dedication. Learning what and where to click is only part of it—it’s also understanding the culture, how things are done, security and safety online, all that jazz.

So, you can imagine why it’s an extra bit more challenging for the older generations to stay safe under the radar of the public forum that we call the internet. Once you’re detected, you’re likely to be seen by pages like Old People Web, an Instagram page that’s all about sharing screenshots of old people doing their thing online.

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    All memes aside, why is it so darn hard for older generations to use current-day tech? Some stats have been crunched in hopes of answering this question.

    According to Eurostat, 87% of folks over the age of 75 (that’s back in 2018) have never really been online. That’s nearly 9 of 10 seniors, mind you.

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    One of the reasons suggested ties in with their age and health—reduced reactivity. Age simply makes it harder to keep up with how fast technology progresses and changes.

    9% of folks over 75 have serious eye problems and 18% have severe hearing limitations. Considering that phones these days use these two senses primarily, smartphones don’t seem like the best option for this segment.

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    There’s also the issue of reaching seniority with leathery fingers, reduced muscular function and cognitive decline, making it harder for them to use touch-screen based tech. It is estimated that there are 5.6 million people who might be affected by this.

    #10

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    Casey Horn
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah… autism totally didn’t exist until the later generations… jesus f****n christ..

    K Davis
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Autism has existed for a long time, it's just we have much better awareness and diagnosing nowadays. I got diagnosed at 33, I had been autistic all my life but being female, I was incredibly good at masking. It was only working with children with autism that made me see I was autistic and did a lot of masking (like many woman/ girls do) and then took years to firstly ask to and then to get tested finally. Doesn't mean I wasn't autistic until I was 33. Many people go decades without realising that they are autistic, especially if they are very good at masking. It's awareness that finally allows them to see what is going on and the more awareness the more people seeking diagnosis and getting it. Same with many conditions like ADHD, ODD, dyslexia etc years ago these people were labeled naughty, stupid, disruptive etc and failed. More awareness means they are getting correct diagnosis'.

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    Appalachian Panda
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that autism has existed for as long as human beings have.

    Linden
    Community Member
    11 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Weasel Wise
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Casey was using sarcasm. 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

    Nitka Tsar
    Community Member
    11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weasel, you commented on a comment from a autistic person. They might have difficulty recognizing sarcasm. That does not mean they are stupid or mean or whatever you thought before commenting those smileys. Try a little bit compassion next time, please.

    Andy Cran
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    diagnosed with Asperger's in my early 40's...was born in 71,i was treated like a reetard by family/school etc for all that time for being different 😡

    Elio
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My friend didn't get diagnosed until her 30s too. It seems like another case of systematic medical neglect towards women and girls.

    Emie N.
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't know why you're down voted Elio because you're right. There are actually people in the medical field who truly believe that autism only affects males even though females can also be autistic. When girls display characteristics of being on the spectrum, they misdiagnose girls all the time.

    steaky
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not sure why you have so many upvotes. Quite insulting to a lot of people with autism. Autism is not the same as being an idiot.

    Martine Remmelzwaal
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was very confused by your comment steaky. I thought why would you mention autism being the same as being an idiot, when caseys comment doesn't even hint at such a thing (which made your comment look very suggestive, as in not "quite" idots...not "exactly" the same). I interpreted caseys comment as simply being about people with autism not liking/responding well to bright colors. Still not quite sure how you (mis)read caseys comment and which part you found insulting. His only point is that autism isn't a recent thing.

    Elwood Schwartz (it/that)
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your comment, and not your autism makes me think you are an idiot. Sarcasm exists and autistic people can totally recognize it. You have no excuse.

    Leekier
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have an upvote to compensate for the downvote. My son wore me out when he was a child demanding complete breakdowns of anything that made us laugh. At the time it was exhausting but he now has a very good grasp of sarcasm and humour so it was well worth it; his nephew, who is also autistic just has an instinct for it.

    Linden
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm genuinely curious how you link this with autism? The aversion to yellow? I'm autistic and work in autism research. A lot of things on BP make me think about our community but this one didn't immediately jump out.

    Ken Beattie
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to know how they know how old the poster is to even make generational comparisons.

    Leekier
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a son, grandson and great niece all on the spectrum; only my son has issues with certain colours, it’s not an issue for the others. Even so my son wouldn’t withhold stars because they’re the wrong colour, he’d just ask me if it was possible to change the colour

    Demosthenes
    Community Member
    11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Self diagnosed autism is the number 1 obstacle to raising awareness and generating support for the autistic community. Self diagnosed autistic people are the most vocal segment of the population and they genuinely impede assistance to clinically diagnosed sufferers of autism.

    thechildreninmybasement
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    some people are self diagnosed because they dont have the f*****g money like me, demosthenes

    Dubnaught
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not liking a certain color so much to the point that you can't give a company 5 stars even though you think they deserve it. I work with many autistic people and being really particular about certain colors, smells, tastes, sounds, and feels can be a major aspect.

    Andy Cran
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    not a lot yet it's good to educate and increase awareness to others about it as a side conversation

    AngelWingsYT
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some signs of autism or being on the spectrum is being particular about stuff.

    Martine Remmelzwaal
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think it is about just being particular (personal preferences), I think the underlying reason is that it is bright, especially on a screen. I just googled it (bright colors autism) and it is a thing. It is along the same line of flickering lights, which is something most people immediately would understand even if they totally don't care about it themselves. It is all a form of overstimulation.

    Andy Cran
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    doesn't quite work like that fynne....those of us on the spectrum are all different in our own ways just like everyone else.

    Linden
    Community Member
    11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess it could be a thing for that individual? Certainly it's not universal, very little is with us! I'm autistic and dislike orange enough that I don't got into a particular shop that's branded heavily with orange everywhere. It causes me a lot of discomfort. But a series of small stars on a computer screen would not have the same impact, not for me anyway....

    clairebear
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hate of yellow is surprisingly common among us Autisticts. I won't have any yellow flowers in my garden. It is very triggering. I think above is extreme but I respect it.

    Astro
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if it would make it easier if I told you the yellow on your screen is not actually yellow, but a mix of red and green pixels that fools your brain into thinking it’s yellow? :)

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    Populus tremuloides(they/them)
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It would still be the bright and overstimulating color we perceive as yellow. Our eyes can only see red green and blue so it's that combined in your brain anyway

    Elwood Schwartz (it/that)
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate red and orange too. Pink is good and green (as long ast it's not too yellow) thru violet.

    Linden
    Community Member
    11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm curious - would the stars on a screen be enough to give you sensory discomfort? I can get discomfort from colours I don't like (I'm autistic too) but it would usually have to be over a big area and quite dominant in my field of view before it causes me a problem. I don't like orange, and some shades of blue to me feel electric and like static - but I like the blues in the sky fortunately!

    Justin Rogers
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or you could do everyone a favor and just not. This is the problem with people, rather than move on they are compelled to ruin everything for their gratification

    Neat Hicks
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband has is Autistic and has ADHD. He was diagnosed at 54. Our 23 year old daughter is waiting to be tested.

    Regina Holt
    Community Member
    11 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I don't like the color yellow either, but how much frickin space dp those stars take up?

    LA Murphy
    Community Member
    11 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    No, you are just a douche trying to get attention. Develop a real personality.

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    VioletHunter
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What kind of idiot "friends" their grandma on social media and then posts c**p like that?

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    Health issues aside, handling new tech is a challenge in and of itself. It is reported that around 77% of seniors would ask for assistance when trying to learn how to use a smartphone or tablet.

    Besides that, 56% of those who do use the internet say that they would need help to connect with friends or family by means of social networking platforms.

    #14

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    Apachebathmat
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok Edith you mucky puppy, I see your hot Nigel pics and raise you by tepid Boris shots

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    Generally speaking, the elderly have more trouble mastering new tech compared to younger generations because of their lesser frame of reference that would enable them to take in new information.

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    This is made even worse when health issues kick in forcing social isolation. Because if you can’t go out and see the world, you might just not really get what things happening outside are.

    It’s not really the elderly people’s fault, though. Nobody chooses to get debilitating illnesses in the first place, but it is also important to note that technology isn’t tailored for seniors to begin with.

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    Just think about it: touch screens, passwords, usernames, menus, user interfaces… all of this is new, physically and (or) mentally hard to overcome without feeling overwhelmed by it.

    It’s not to say that there aren’t solutions to these problems. Much of it is unheard of because of how niche the segment is, but there is tech that is simplified and adapted for use among seniors.

    Komp is a great example of a one-button computer that would not over-complicate things but would still allow for things like photo sharing, messages, video calls and such.

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    There are other ways of helping older folks with tech, though.

    If you’re taking on this feat yourself, then start off by explaining the benefits of technology. And once the ball is rolling, be patient, explain the concepts in simple terms (find analogies to older tech) and walk them through it as they try it out for themselves.

    While this means you’re doomed to be tech support for them, it’s for a good cause.

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    #25

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    Daddy’s Girl
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel for this one. Being new to panda, I’ve had to look up a lot of acronyms.

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    #27

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    Zedrapazia
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've never seen an ethnic group widget on Amazon, wtf is she talking about?

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    If, however, you’d like professionals to take on teaching your grandparents a thing or two about tech, consider enrolling them into a class. Senior centers, community colleges and some nonprofits offer these and provide all of the resources necessary to learn all things tech. As an added bonus, they can do it together with their peers, socialize, and be reintegrated into social groups if there was a problem in that regard.

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    #29

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    Paul Pienkowski
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Technically enough essential oils poured on your keyboard, it will be like you logged out

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    #30

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think he's called Sammy the Button, but I hear he's pretty expensive.

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    So, what are your thoughts on any of this? Have elderly relative tech stories to share? Do so in the comment section below!

    And if that is not what you’re into, maybe check out more from Old People Web and maybe consider taking a peek at another listicle of ours on the same topic.

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    #38

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    UpQuarkDownQuark (he/hey you)
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A Trump eagle. There’s an f*cking eagle with Trump’s head on it in his background! Debra’s a smart woman.

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    #40

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    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    how the actual f**k did this guy upload 1 and a half million photos of himself??!

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    #46

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    Lost Penny
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So Adam was the one sending those squirrels to that bloke in another squirrel post!

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    #48

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    Papa
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We don't know how tall the ladders are. We need the lady from the other one here lying down beside them for scale.

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    #56

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    Kat-Renee Kittel
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Usually they say I'm interested send me your phone number because they want to hack into your account.

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    #63

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    The Original Bruno
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Record wins across the country... the Green wave has arrived" is a very sensationalistic post for a party with 4 seats.

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    #70

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    Peppy
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Damn they must have been some scary hot chilli peppers 🌶️

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    #76

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    #81

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    clairebear
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hmmmm, looks very much like my sleeping bag that was stolen from a party in Enfield in 1989.

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    Flora Porter
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bless him. After some of these photos, at my age it's nice to see a man who's still taking care of his appearance.

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    The Other Ben
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hail Marty, full of grace. The lard is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst wholesale chain stores, and blessed is the fruit of thy...produce department...probably.

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    Papa
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the "before" picture. They forgot to post the one "after."

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