Tag: seniors and technology

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TECHIE SALES REPS LACK EMPATHY

Do you dread buying a new computer, iPhone or other electronic devices?  I know I do. It’s not like buying a new dress to wear to a wedding.   You brace yourself for a whole a new set of buttons and apps. For me, any new piece of equipment involves a steep learning curve.  And most sales reps at places like AT&T and BEST BUY are woefully unaware of how to help seniors.  They zip through the instructions at breakneck speed, and never smile. You can tell they don’t like waiting on folks over 50.  Young techie sales representatives lack empathy for anyone who didn’t grow up using computers.

It wouldn’t be so bad if the new computer or phone came with an  instruction manual.  But everyone’s gone paperless.  Since I grew up using Simplicity patterns to make my own clothes, I’m pretty good at following printed instructions.  But when a sales rep impatiently barks out directives on using a new product, I’m lost.  Yes, I know, there’s a line of customers behind me, chomping at the bit to be waited on.  And they won’t be asking silly questions or ask the salesperson to repeat themselves.

Techie sales reps lack empathy for old folks who didn't grow uup with computers.
Young techie sales reps lack empathy for seniors who don’t understand their language..

I know they’re frustrated because I don’t understand their language. And they know I’m at their mercy.  If I want to survive  in modern society, I must have a cell phone and a computer, at the very least.   Not to mention an MP3 player and a Kindle.  I’m not going to walk out of that store empty handed.  But I’m going to go home and try to remember what they said, and probably end up in tears of frustration, bemoaning my own ignorance.  And when I return to the store for further information, they frown with disapproval.

Each store should have a special clerk for seniors.  It would be helpful to advertise, and schedule appointments, so as to accommodate  people on canes and walkers, or those who can’t stand up for long. This person would need to have something the other tech salesmen lack—empathy.

As a last resort, I’ve ordered a printed manual for my new phone  called  “iPhones for Dummies.” That’s perfect for a tech dummy like me.

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HOME ALONE FOR THANKSGIVING

Did you know that one third of us live alone?  I mean, totally by yourself.  No partner, child, parent, or friend.  Many singles have been seeing other people during this pandemic, on a very limited basis.  And they may visit with those select few on Thanksgiving Day.  But many seniors will be Home Alone on Thanksgiving.  That includes my husband and me.

It’s not the first time for either of us to be away from family on Thanksgiving.  My husband is a Korean War Vet, and understood that being home for the Holidays wasn’t going to happen while he was in service..  When I graduated college and had my first job in Chicago, employers weren’t very forgiving.  We were expected to work the day before and after Thanksgiving Thursday.  My room mates were in the same boat and we made the best of it.  We cooked a turkey and invited friends over.  It felt rather  sad, but sort of fun to escape all the family melodrama. Fortunately, my sister and her brood lived near  my parents, so I didn’t have to feel guilty about not making it home.

Home Alone On Thanksgiving. One third of the population lives alone.
Home Alone on Thanksgiving. Seniors make the best of being away from family during the pandemic.

But that was all a long time ago.  We were young and resilient.  It’s a different story when you’re over eighty.   The holidays have always been a time of joy;  seeing children and grandchildren and sitting down to dinner together.  Now, along came Covid-19.  Back in March, we didn’t dream we would be isolated in the fall.  But it’s gotten worse instead of better. We won’t even be with my husband’s children, who live right here in town.

We thought about getting some carry-out food.  And our sons offered to bring us plates of dinner.  But for some reason or other, I decided I wanted our house to smell of turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie.  That will make me feel like I’m not missing out on absolutely everything.

And then, we’ll count our blessings:  Being together in our own home.  All the technology  like television , computers, and smart phones that keep us connected.  Library books.  Music.  Indoor plants and flowers.  Knowing that our grandchildren and children are healthy.  The gratitude list goes on and on.  Yes, we’ll be home alone on Thanksgiving.  But we have a lot to be thankful for.