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Everyday Ageism

OAP ageist TV

(117 Posts)
Anja Wed 10-Apr-19 09:41:19

Did anyone else see that dreadful programme last night (ITV?) about how stupid OAPs are re new technologies.

They dragged out all the old faithful, anxious for publicity such as Lionel Blair and Dotty Dot and threw in a few more.
The theme was that most OAPs are completely ignorant when it comes to new technology ‘I don’t know what an App is!’ and unwilling to embrace it.

Notice they didn’t invite the likes of Lulu or David Attenborough!

Very ageist and not even remotely amusing ....except when Alexa kept offering them recipes for Mexican Stew.

libra10 Thu 11-Apr-19 11:35:43

I've been using technology for over 20 years, however have never used Alexa or electric cars, and would be confused about setting them up and getting used to them.

Although stereotypical of older people I did find the show very funny, especially when Dot wanted a recipe for scones and kept getting incorrect information.

Sydney2012 Thu 11-Apr-19 11:40:12

My 84 year old Mum uses a laptop and IPad to chat to friends , send and download complex patterns, photos and is on Facebook.

Grampie Thu 11-Apr-19 11:48:14

Alexa was the butt of most of the jokes. Why computer engineers thought we’d welcome the chance to shout at our computers remains a mystery to me.

And I’m computer savvy (since 1983).

lovebeigecardigans1955 Thu 11-Apr-19 11:50:45

I found the programme amusing and infuriating at the same time. I'm in my mid 60s and loathe some of this modern technology.
BIL rang me a while back and said he'd got something like Alexa - expecting me to be impressed I suppose.
"It's great, listen - Alexa, play a 1980s playlist!"
I was polite.
If I was incapacitated and couldn't get off my backside to put a record on I expect it might be of some use but it's not for me.

Rufus2 Thu 11-Apr-19 11:52:51

It’s the same here - unless you’re under 40 you’re largely written off - and if you're 60+, well forget it.
Senectus; Come off it! Totally disagree! I too was born in England, came to OZ 50 years ago, now 91+ and engaging in all sorts of "social inclusion" activities organised by our local Council for free! Weekly Comp. users group today followed by our "Over 80's" exercise meet followed by afternoon tea. Sounds like you need to be more positive and get out more! smile
Sorry, but your remarks rubbed me up the wrong way. I was giving you the benefit of the doubt thinking you could be jesting, but in the absence of Smileys I could be wrong. sad

Loopey Thu 11-Apr-19 11:54:59

I thought it was really funny and I can use all the gadgets. No they don’t or never have lived in the real world and it was better than watching the brexit debarcle

whywhywhy Thu 11-Apr-19 11:55:33

I didnt watch it as I would probably have thrown my IPhone at the TV or even my Google Home Mini. How dare they make a programme like that?! I think it is as bad as racism, but hey what do I know - I'm old - and proud of it! x

rockgran Thu 11-Apr-19 12:24:36

At 69 I have been computer savvy since the late seventies and think it is a good idea to keep up with current trends if possible. The way we now shop, bank, seek knowledge and communicate is not going away so it is better to embrace it before we are stranded by our lack of know-how.

However, I do think there are too many gadgets and apps which just confuse without enhancing the experience.

Saggi Thu 11-Apr-19 12:28:22

Yes it was load of rubbish..., I’m 69 and my sister 80... I’m ok with it all but she’s a whizz kid with it all. She has four kids and 9 grandchildren in their teens and twenties.... they all call her if something goes awry with the techno stuff.

Megs36 Thu 11-Apr-19 12:40:30

I too have used (and helped to teach) computer info. for over 20 years, but reading some of theses post I feel quite demoralised, those of you so patronisely clever about your up to date (!) technology knowledge should think again. I think the Tv programme was very tongue in cheek, remember June is in her nineties and still working despite macular degeneration; so not ageist really , some people have no sense of humour along with their up to date 'tech knowledge'.

sodapop Thu 11-Apr-19 12:43:23

I'm sick of them trotting out these old 'luvvies' in the name of entertainment, they are both predictable and boring.

Aepgirl Thu 11-Apr-19 12:55:57

I didn’t see the programme, and glad I didn’t as I would probably have thrown a brick at the TV set.

moggie57 Thu 11-Apr-19 13:11:07

we grew up in a world where there was no technology.no mobiles .no internet. no telephones ,we had to use the one on the corner of the next street. we actually "talked to each other" not had our mobile phone in our hand 24/7.(another new word)......i dont have tv ,so i cant really comment. but maybe us oldies prefer not having new technology. (i'm 61) while vi do enjoy chatting to my penpals the other side of the world . i do still write letters .not emails.but then each to his/her own.

NannyCool59 Thu 11-Apr-19 13:15:53

I’ve just become an independent consultant with an amazingly brilliant health and beauty firm. To boost my modest income! And I’m doing most things via, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Zoom! Think I can prove my Technology prowess if any TV programme would actually be interested in someone real...not a ‘celebrity’ news chaser!

DotMH1901 Thu 11-Apr-19 13:23:59

I have been using computers since 1976, when my late husband bought our first home computer! He loved anything new and needless to say we had a pager when they came out and he upgraded our original computer many times graduating to building his own to get the right specification for what he wanted it to do (and he learned several different computer coding languages along the way). It is very insulting to tar all older people with the same brush - perhaps we should all write in and complain and insist on a programme about us tech-savvy ones to redress the balance!

NanKate Thu 11-Apr-19 13:24:14

I helped two middle aged people dithering at the car park paying machine the other day. Admittedly the new machine does have many steps before spewing out the ticket.

A number of my older friends refuse to use modern technology. IMO they miss out on so much.

monkeebeat Thu 11-Apr-19 13:27:35

A few years ago my 102 year old great aunt featured in the newspaper having become a compatent ( and that’s the 4th spelling I’ve tried!) computer user.
At the time she knew her way around it better than I did.

PamGeo Thu 11-Apr-19 13:30:27

I didn't watch it, but my mum who has dementia still uses her mobile phone, lap top and syncs her phone in to her local church so that she can listen in whilst at home. I'm very happy with my i phone with apps shock horror, my mac, and just about everything else life throws at us apart from ... my new on line bank account with First Direct !! I hate it but I'll persevere for a while before I admit frustrated defeat

rockgran Thu 11-Apr-19 13:37:27

Our local Co-op gave up on the self service tills as no-one wanted to use them. They have been removed!smile

sassenach512 Thu 11-Apr-19 13:38:02

I agree sodapop I'm sick of the same old faces, I was half expecting the vulgar Miriam Margolyes or the Krankies to pop out too. Still, I suppose its easy work if you can get it.

ExaltedWombat Thu 11-Apr-19 13:50:06

There's a similar meme about youngsters being bemused by old technology - things like phones with a dial. Not to be taken too seriously. But it is irksome when either group pretend to be PROUD of their ignorance.

jaylucy Thu 11-Apr-19 14:40:52

Glad I missed it!
Basically, whatever your age, you can choose to embrace technology or not. Let's face it - majority of these "celebrities" have PAs that do everything on computers etc for them, so why do they need to know anyway? I guess the payment they received topped up their pension!

Rufus2 Thu 11-Apr-19 14:43:20

complain and insist on a programme about us tech-savvy ones to redress the balance
DotMH; No way! It would be as boring as hell reading/hearing all that bragging and who's going to sit in judgement on whether someone's sufficiently "tech-savvy", whatever that means.?
A prog. inviting "Oldies" to submit good old-fashioned jokes, even about computer nerds, would be far more entertaining and more preferable to some current "comedies" grin
Just a thought!

glammagran Thu 11-Apr-19 14:56:33

My husband worked for a large American I.T. company retiring 2 years ago at 67. On the day he retired one of his major clients (a bank in the city) for whom he designed infrastructure begged him to join them. Glad he didn’t know about last night’s program - the air would have even blue.

Nannan2 Thu 11-Apr-19 14:57:44

I missed the programme but may have a look.im not overtly ' techie' but ive picked things up along the way or my youngest sons (20& nrly 16)have showed me a few things.i do shop online a lot or make bookings for hols, days out etc.i websearch.and use my phone& tablet for loads of stuff.i make drs appts.i find 'hard to find' gifts for my GC.im not a pensioner yet(55) but try my best online- and dont understand when my ex mother-in-law says " oh, i wouldnt know where to start,or what to look for" when i mention a video game my youngest son(her only grandson)wants for birthday/xmas! Shes not even willing to try! She also doesnt pay any of their own bills or deal with anything to do with money etc but leaves it to her husband.(& i presume my ex- husband) Shes not particularly 'old' shes only just got her buss pass! I dread to think how she'l manage if anything ever happens& shes left on her own! (We dont live near enough for us help)Its just her whole attitude which astounds me- shes sticking her head in the sand and is missing out on a whole ' new' way of learning/ exploring.one which she could share with her grandson..its sad really. sad