The kindness and humanity radiate from this man's face. You can hear the genuine concern in his voice that no one deprives himself of the opportunities afforded through digital engagement. And he is patient.
Going on 71. On my third computer I scratch built. Love playing Red Dead Redemption. Level 352 online, after doing 100% of the story. Dead Space is great, too!
I meet/assist "senior" computer users almost daily, and am often amazed at how clear and genuinely interested some remain at 80 and beyond. Well above the ability and curiosity of many others in their 40's. Never grow bored.
Using you mind and keeping it , and the body active is the key to a better life. Move at your own pace and enjoy you life. Happy Birthday Leo, may you have many, many more.
That's a lovely message, Leo, and very true. I'm 73 and completely self-taught on the internet since twelve years ago. Some people just aren't willing to put their time and effort into learning anything, which is a terrible shame. Encouragement is, of course, very important for the stubborn ones, but it's got to be done in a way which helps them to feel that they've achieved something which they can benefit from, and enjoy. There should be more people like you in this world. Stay well.
Hey Leo, could not agree more with the sentiment of this video. I'm a self-employed IT tech in the UK (about you age). Have a lot of 'silver surfers' customers. I don't know if it a UK/USA thing but there is a big reluctance for the older generations here in the UK to embrace the new tech. We have a big problem of just every thing going online and very scared isolated older people in society feeling left out and frankly scared of "All these new fangled things". There seems to be little or no sympathy with Corporations or government agencies to help them. I do have many with physical/cognitive impairments that do get themselves in a right pickle and have had to often save them from themselves. I do what I can with my customers old and new. Keep up the good work, been watching your videos for some time. Very clear and concise explanations of many topics that I point some of my more reluctant customers to watch.
Well said, Steve. I think it may be more of a case of unwillingness to learn rather than being unable to. I'm 73 and live alone, and only started using the internet shortly before my 62nd birthday. I had no-one to teach me, so I just dug into it with my natural stubbornness to never give up on anything. The first few months were a bit of a circus, but it was worth it as I love learning, as well as finding out what an ignoramus I really am.
Great video Leo! I don't think it's about age. I know people half my age who are afraid of computers. I'm 74. Built my first computer (Sinclair) from a kit.
I'm 85 and have two PCs one for travel and one on my desk with two displays so I can watch the market while I work on the other one. I also have 3 tablets one of which I use for reading books, one plugged into an Alexa base. I need to keep the mind working!!!
Two things I see all the time... People who are convinced they can't so they don't even try. People who totally lack the curiosity to learn. ... and it's not just in computers ... it's everywhere. This body is 73 years old but the mind still thinks it's 30. I take on new things as a challenge, struggle with the learning phase and never give up until I understand a problem. Leo is right. Anyone can do this... and a lot more should.
@@Douglas_Blake_579 You're absolutely right, Douglas. I'm 73 and completely self-taught since I was 61. Once I set my mind to do something, I never give up until I've achieved my goal. I've thoroughly enjoyed the learning process as well.
@@Douglas_Blake_579 Thank you, Douglas. I may have been called a number of things during my life, but Autodidact is a new one to me.....I even had to ask Google dictionary to show me what it means!🙃🥴 I love learning new things, and the challenges that go with it. Leo explains everything so succinctly and in such a pleasant manner - a very likeable and helpful man. Stay safe and well, wherever you are.😊
I think it comes down to people's memory, When I'm helping the older generation we take it slowly and stay on the same subject untill they have got it and then move onto the next thing.
Very well said. I'm nearly 10 years older than you and still using technology. I find I don't understand some things like I used to, but I also find I don't need to. I do find learning/remembering seems to take more work, but still well within my grasp. Our oldest works in an IT department. Some of what he does I understand only conceptually, but still what he is doing makes sense. To the others that read this, I'd say to take it a little at a time, and keep working at it. For most it won't be given to you, but is as learnable as driving was. For folks my age, one of the differences is where we have to go to get answers and references. Leo, thanks for what you do here and on your website.
Happy birthday Leo. I am only a couple of years younger than you and for several years I have stated that you are never too old to learn. Keep doing your stuff Leo. I enjoy learning from you
I first started working with computers when I was knee-high to a keypunch; over the decades I have adapted to the changes in technology and systems, sometimes reluctantly; occasionally I miss working with punch cards and plugboards, but I wouldn't give up what I now have and know. I'm 68.
OK, fun note now turned the tablet to upright vs portrait mode😮 We started my mother with a PC in her 90s with solitaire game. She did have a problem which turned out to be she didn't know how to play the game! She even ended up teaching me the best way for email subject lines - use the date❤ Happy Birthday 🎂
I am 85. I have a desktop PC with two screens; a small computer for travel and two tablets. I had the first version of the Apple 2 as I thought it was going to be the "coming" thing. Sad though that at that time I didn't purchase Apple stock! 😆
I was a kid when the Apple II came out. Had it not been for an Apple II+ and IIe and the public library, my life probably would be vastly different (for the worse) today. (I have a small collection of Apple II series machines. They're my childrens ;o)
Thanks for the positive outlook! I find learning does get a bit more difficult. On the other hand forgetting gets easier every day, so more opportunities to learn (again).
I'm 71 and totally agree with you Loe, i and we are always learning ,the only thing to hold you back is your self nothing to do with age , i remember the early day of computers they were a tough tec to master back then 😂 lol, its never been part of my working life using a computer ,its just that i enjoy it ,what it opens up for you , and i can't even imagine how you would pay a bill ,banking , ect ect ,how is it posable life with out what is right there with all that it can offer you , and so much more. Please don't use the excuse I'm to old for what ever reasons, Another Great video thanks.
I am 72. I'm a retired technology professional. I am getting bored being retired. I have been looking to re-enter the job market as a tech support analyst. I have not been hired. I certainly have the experience. But in my situation, Leo, age does matter. Companies will not hire old people.
This is a vastly understated important point. Technically, age discrimination is illegal, but man alive do corporations exploit the spirit of the law and discriminate anyway. I'm very lucky to work for an employer who doesn't do that (that I'm aware of).
Indeed. This video is really about how we feel about ourselves getting in the way and limiting what we think we can do. External ageism is a whole 'nother ball o' wax. If I were suddenly unemployed or looking for work, I'd make the work myself. Do something entrepreneurial. Another approach is gig work, like you might find out at UpWork.com
I am 66 and if you were to look at our house from the street out front, I have 7 cameras out there and 4 out the back of this house. In the house, I have my Desktop Computer, with Dual screens, I use it to edit and cruise the Internet, and then I have a Laptop Hooked to 55 inch TV in the front room. I have a friend who is tech-illiterate
Tech certainly has come a long way since the 1950's/60's /70's (my younger years) and mostly gets better every year. Now, I'm retired and can play with whatever tech I want, it's great learning how to play video games, exploring digital art, new cameras! Thanks for another great video, Leo.
I turn 78 in a few months got my first computer around 1982, A radio shack coco. Installed a version of unix on it, learned assembly language programing for it. Don't do programing any more as anything I want is usually already out there for free. Still help clean up computers for people 10 to 20 years younger after they have done something dumb like installed a virus or given a "microsoft tech" access to their computer. Banking and bill payment is done online but only on my desktop, laptop, tablet and phone are to easily stolen. Passwords are not stored on the computer except for some woodworking forums I belong to and even there only on the desktop. Still maintain my own website mainly to keep the brain working and so family and friends can see what I have been doing with my woodworking hobby. Best part is I get 50 email addresses so when I visit a site or forum I am interested in I will make a new address for them, start getting spam I delete it. Getting older doesn't mean you have to shut your brain down.
To the person, everyone I have helped with their computer has copped the same plea. I try to encourage them but getting an older person interested in tech seems to be rare - at least in my area (quite rural).
At 81, I too enjoy what technology can/does to me and for me. Sometimes it is the only route to get the information needed or solve an issue. Where I really see that in action is with a visit to a doctor's office or medical facility. I then think back to "the way it use to be" and have to put a slight grin on my face. The frustrating part of technology comes from trying to solve a basic computer issuea. Like the last three days trying to figure out why TH-cam videos would play but without sound. I would research and take enough stabs in the dark to correct it, only to find when I would boot up the next morning the issue had raised it's ugly head again.....and again. The big issues are, it takes sooooo much time and I don't speak the language. Therefore ,,,,,,,,,more research in a differnt direction. I can trully say that since I found Ask Leo years ago it has been at the top of my "where do I start" list. The main reason, the diolog is something I do not have to spend time translating, gets right to the point and to a point even I can understand. Thank you for your years of willingness to help non geeks like myself. Much appreciated Leo. JimE
Leo, ..I've always enjoyed and picked up great tips over the years. I then assist friends of mine with their computer issues, with knowledge I have acquired from your videos, ...so all that gets passed on! I'm 67 also and many of my friends are a bit older, but that to you they can stay up to date in technology a bit more. Thanks for what you do, and happy birthday!
I'm 79 and am having a lot of trouble with the new tech. Going from win7 to win10 is proving to be a ROYAL HASSLE because my memory is not like it was 30 years ago. I would not leave win7 because it does all I need except for a few new programs that require win10.
It's not that different, you'll be ok. Don't persuade yourself it will be a problem. To quote Churchill “Don't argue about the difficulties. The difficulties will argue for themselves.”.
At my "advanced" age, using technology has become like "juggling balls". I'm constantly having to learn new things, even basic things such as trying to install a bootable USB after eight months of trying: Windows, Ventoy and Hiren. All now impossible for me, even though having a bootable USB is self-evidently essential. I've recently bought another laptop in case I'm unable to get back into this laptop of three years. But my confidence is "shot" and I'll resort to the new laptop and attempt to set it up when the present laptop fails. Such have been the wearing effects of three years of tech, I'm afraid. Still, do keep up the good work: you must be doing people some good. PS I wouldn't recommend tech. to others of a similar age. I wouldn't want to be held responsible for them enduring what I've had to in order to make it two-thirds of the way across the "swollen river" that is IT.
On a weekly basis I coach people in their seventies (+😊) with ‘a distance to the computer’ ☺️ for two hours. When they learn I learn. Rewarding for both parties 👍
Autistic, intellectual disability and with congenital rubella, and yet, I learned how to manipulate a computer when my late father bought his first in the early 90's. A Dos based Packard Bell Legend 386 SX, so a cut down variant of the DX version and he managed to upgrade it to Windows 3.1 at minimum. Today, I run a 7th gen i5 desktop (dell Optiplex) and an 8th gen i5 Dell Latitude laptop and got it to network together at 58/59. I plan on building a newer i7, 13th gen desktop (ATX) desktop this year. Not my first, built an older AMD Athlon 800 based desktop in 2002 or so with 512 MB of RAM (the shniz at the time), bought the MD/processor/memory all barely used second hand from a friend that decided to do a major upgrade. So these days, I zip files via the ether (WiFi) between the desktop and laptop (both Win 11) and can edit videos, use a DAW etc. So while I may be 59, I don't consider myself all that old in comparison to some folks, neurodiveristy be damned.
IT industries really have a bad reputation about this, especially in the east Asian countries. Most of companies have a limitation on age when recuiting. And when I was taking some interviews, they always implied that they prefer young because they think older people may be outdated in IT. We have a lot of new concepts recently e.g. IoT, cloud, meta, SD(software defined) something, edge computing, generative AI, etc.. For me these are really old tech but packaged in a new marketing way. They are being well developed now because of the advancement of hardware. Thus I suggest do not bind IT with age.
Things not helping: - corporations that use tech to psychologically manipulate (in general), and thus drive FUD (REAL FUD, not crypto-bro "FUD") - businesses that only pay lip service to very important things, like data security. - businesses that exploit tech to gather EVERY bit of data, whether they absolutely need it or not. - much more (three things above only scratch the surface of this tainted iceberg) So I can definitely understand the young people wanting nothing to do with this stuff that's obviously-to-them being used to slam advertising garbage at them at all times. We need the tech that respects us as an implicit priority, and application developers need to go back to respecting a user's tech resources (there are still people who do amazing things for the Apple II series, and they know how to make their code fast AND not take up a lot of RAM. Embedded systems people are the closest modern equivalent.) All that said, there are still things out there I want to learn (the pointer parts of C is a doable one; even the fundamentals of rust is evasive because it's in its syntax; I'll probably end up learning go better before I work rust out) There are still large parts of this tech hellscape I want permanently rid of, and don't blame anyone for wanting nothing to do with. That all intersects with the most abusive of technology.
67? Whaaaaaaaaaat! My mom and dad are just a couple years older and they too look younger than their chronological age, but you look even younger, Leo! I guess the secret is that computer light bathing, great, I'm using this strategy for years and will continue to do so. For all the ones on their computers feeling old about their capabilites: genz Z and alpha are becoming less tech-savvy than you, Idk if it's an average, but these youngns are increasilingy so, it's a trend, long gone is that sense of never catching up to them, ironically, that existential pain is old and gone. They are used to cellphones and easy "apps" and bad social media (which is unfortunate). The moral is: just don't quit tech, you might be wiser at it than your grandson/grandaughter, would you look at that!...
I've never had a cell phone. I don't need one for anything since I have a phone on the wall connected to a land line that is costing me $33 a month. I don't want to learn how to use one. I'd have to invent things to use it for and then use it every day so that I didn't forget what I had learned so far. Just not important to me.
Btw, the CONSTANT needless, and often dumbed down changes to how various applications work are rewiring your brains, and not for the better. I would like to see some research on the ramifications of this for things like intelligence, attention span, memory, etc. What is the real purpose behind the constant changes? (Change is not always good).
I had issues with getting into my old email with password and proper name etc, different phone & phone #, I went to old address & tried for hours, didn't work, when I got home I plugged in one of 5 old phones, & one an Obama phone had the email address I was searching fir an attorney. I'd loaned it to my closet alcoholic neighbor, I'd gotten important emails on it & she never even bothered to tell me. Moral of the story, if some one needs help but constantly is toxic to you, pray for them, leave aa or na infir all around, but avoid toxic people, don't gift or loan them money it goes to booze, sad, but better them then me.
Nope! I'm not too old. I do worry, however, that programers have forgotten just how long some of us have been using computers. The hubs had one built for us about 1995. I didn't want the thing. One day while he was at work and I was bored, I sat down and opened her up. Later, I learned about code, changed a couple things and....he lost his computer. My complaint, as of late, is that programs and operating systems are not designed to accommodate their aging users. These old eyes just can't take the glare like they used to. And, computers these days are locked down tight. I can't just open a file in the Windows folder, drop a line of code in there to fix it without bricking the machine. Sometimes it's not a simple black/white, white/black.
Age can be relevant to technology, but not in the way stereotyping seems to dictate. I have used computer technology ever since it first became available at work and at home. Remember the Commodore 64? Or how about even before then: we had to program the very first desktop computer used for research. People really need to stop stereotyping. I find that so obnoxious and divisive, not to mention a sign of ignorance of the history of computer technology. I think older people can also make wiser use of technology because they can see the patterns: e.g., cell phones are being used to dumb down people, cause miscommunication, and to ultimately take control of them and their finances, not to mention maybe more devious uses in the future. For those reasons I limit my use of cell phones and "convenient" apps. I am writing from a desktop computer.
I am a graduate in Electrical Engineering, and found out the when I got my first computer in the early 80s, I found out I should have been a hacker. I am kidding, but I do enjoy computer. I am 79. I switched to Linux two years ago and am not going back.
I couldn't agree with you more, Craig. I'm 73 and I've just moved from W8.1 to W10 a couple of months ago, and I absolutely hate OneDrive. In fact, it's my goal over the winter months to find out how to move all my files elsewhere, then more or less get rid of OneDrive from hogging all my stuff.
@@EIRE55 Take a look at local Network Attached Storage ... infinitely expandable, easily configurable and completely private. "The Cloud" is simply a synonym for "someone else's computer".
✅ Watch next ▶ What I've Learned Answering Questions For 20 Years ▶ th-cam.com/video/abnENEJbpQE/w-d-xo.html
I’m 92 and still learning! Happy birthday, Leo. 🎉
You ARE 92 wow what is your secret ?
The kindness and humanity radiate from this man's face. You can hear the genuine concern in his voice that no one deprives himself of the opportunities afforded through digital engagement. And he is patient.
Age is irrelevant. Attitude is everything. At 77, I see this every day. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Going on 71. On my third computer I scratch built. Love playing Red Dead Redemption. Level 352 online, after doing 100% of the story. Dead Space is great, too!
YEAH! 💪
I turn 80 tomorrow and a retired engineer. Tech is fun to explore.
Happy birthday! 🥳
I meet/assist "senior" computer users almost daily, and am often amazed at how clear and genuinely interested some remain at 80 and beyond. Well above the ability and curiosity of many others in their 40's.
Never grow bored.
60 here. My Windows 10 has the RAM increased 4GB to 16GB, a new 2 TB SSD, a new DVD drive and is now dual boot with Zorin Core (thank you Leo).
I began using a computer 15 years ago and I'm still learning thanks to channels like yours.
I'm 1500 yrs. old and still learning!
Using you mind and keeping it , and the body active is the key to a better life. Move at your own pace and enjoy you life. Happy Birthday Leo, may you have many, many more.
That's a lovely message, Leo, and very true. I'm 73 and completely self-taught on the internet since twelve years ago.
Some people just aren't willing to put their time and effort into learning anything, which is a terrible shame. Encouragement is, of course, very important for the stubborn ones, but it's got to be done in a way which helps them to feel that they've achieved something which they can benefit from, and enjoy. There should be more people like you in this world. Stay well.
For 67, you look great. Happy birthday!
Hey Leo, could not agree more with the sentiment of this video. I'm a self-employed IT tech in the UK (about you age). Have a lot of 'silver surfers' customers. I don't know if it a UK/USA thing but there is a big reluctance for the older generations here in the UK to embrace the new tech. We have a big problem of just every thing going online and very scared isolated older people in society feeling left out and frankly scared of "All these new fangled things". There seems to be little or no sympathy with Corporations or government agencies to help them. I do have many with physical/cognitive impairments that do get themselves in a right pickle and have had to often save them from themselves. I do what I can with my customers old and new. Keep up the good work, been watching your videos for some time. Very clear and concise explanations of many topics that I point some of my more reluctant customers to watch.
Well said, Steve. I think it may be more of a case of unwillingness to learn rather than being unable to.
I'm 73 and live alone, and only started using the internet shortly before my 62nd birthday. I had no-one to teach me, so I just dug into it with my natural stubbornness to never give up on anything. The first few months were a bit of a circus, but it was worth it as I love learning, as well as finding out what an ignoramus I really am.
Great video Leo! I don't think it's about age. I know people half my age who are afraid of computers. I'm 74. Built my first computer (Sinclair) from a kit.
I'm 85 and have two PCs one for travel and one on my desk with two displays so I can watch the market while I work on the other one. I also have 3 tablets one of which I use for reading books, one plugged into an Alexa base. I need to keep the mind working!!!
Two things I see all the time...
People who are convinced they can't so they don't even try.
People who totally lack the curiosity to learn.
... and it's not just in computers ... it's everywhere.
This body is 73 years old but the mind still thinks it's 30. I take on new things as a challenge, struggle with the learning phase and never give up until I understand a problem.
Leo is right. Anyone can do this... and a lot more should.
I'm 67 on the outside, 30 on the inside, with the sense of humor of a 13 year old.
@@askleonotenboom
LOL... my sense of humour, which is based on saying the absolute worst thing in any moment, makes me feel lucky I've lived past 13!
@@Douglas_Blake_579
You're absolutely right, Douglas. I'm 73 and completely self-taught since I was 61. Once I set my mind to do something, I never give up until I've achieved my goal. I've thoroughly enjoyed the learning process as well.
@@EIRE55
That makes you a fellow Autodidact ... and welcome to the club 😎
@@Douglas_Blake_579
Thank you, Douglas.
I may have been called a number of things during my life, but Autodidact is a new one to me.....I even had to ask Google dictionary to show me what it means!🙃🥴
I love learning new things, and the challenges that go with it. Leo explains everything so succinctly and in such a pleasant manner - a very likeable and helpful man.
Stay safe and well, wherever you are.😊
I think it comes down to people's memory, When I'm helping the older generation we take it slowly and stay on the same subject untill they have got it and then move onto the next thing.
There' an old saying I believe in... Age aint nothin but a number. great video Leo.
Another one is "You're only as old as you feel". I'm 73 and still feel like I'm 30-ish.
Very well said. I'm nearly 10 years older than you and still using technology. I find I don't understand some things like I used to, but I also find I don't need to. I do find learning/remembering seems to take more work, but still well within my grasp. Our oldest works in an IT department. Some of what he does I understand only conceptually, but still what he is doing makes sense. To the others that read this, I'd say to take it a little at a time, and keep working at it. For most it won't be given to you, but is as learnable as driving was. For folks my age, one of the differences is where we have to go to get answers and references.
Leo, thanks for what you do here and on your website.
Happy birthday Leo. I am only a couple of years younger than you and for several years I have stated that you are never too old to learn. Keep doing your stuff Leo. I enjoy learning from you
I first started working with computers when I was knee-high to a keypunch; over the decades I have adapted to the changes in technology and systems, sometimes reluctantly; occasionally I miss working with punch cards and plugboards, but I wouldn't give up what I now have and know. I'm 68.
OK, fun note now turned the tablet to upright vs portrait mode😮 We started my mother with a PC in her 90s with solitaire game. She did have a problem which turned out to be she didn't know how to play the game! She even ended up teaching me the best way for email subject lines - use the date❤ Happy Birthday 🎂
I remember the Apple II
I am 85. I have a desktop PC with two screens; a small computer for travel and two tablets. I had the first version of the Apple 2 as I thought it was going to be the "coming" thing. Sad though that at that time I didn't purchase Apple stock! 😆
I was a kid when the Apple II came out. Had it not been for an Apple II+ and IIe and the public library, my life probably would be vastly different (for the worse) today. (I have a small collection of Apple II series machines. They're my childrens ;o)
The first computer I owned was an Apple ][. Wish I still had it. :-)
Thanks for the positive outlook! I find learning does get a bit more difficult. On the other hand forgetting gets easier every day, so more opportunities to learn (again).
I'm 71 and totally agree with you Loe, i and we are always learning ,the only thing to hold you back is your self nothing to do with age , i remember the early day of computers they were a tough tec to master back then 😂 lol, its never been part of my working life using a computer ,its just that i enjoy it ,what it opens up for you , and i can't even imagine how you would pay a bill ,banking , ect ect ,how is it posable life with out what is right there with all that it can offer you , and so much more. Please don't use the excuse I'm to old for what ever reasons, Another Great video thanks.
Bless you, Leo for the words and push. Tech, I'm okay with so far. But I'm 58 with some arthritis / knee issues, and I certainly need the inspiration!
true - but it's not much fun when something breaks. A support helper is key.
I am 72. I'm a retired technology professional. I am getting bored being retired. I have been looking to re-enter the job market as a tech support analyst. I have not been hired. I certainly have the experience. But in my situation, Leo, age does matter. Companies will not hire old people.
This is a vastly understated important point. Technically, age discrimination is illegal, but man alive do corporations exploit the spirit of the law and discriminate anyway. I'm very lucky to work for an employer who doesn't do that (that I'm aware of).
Indeed. This video is really about how we feel about ourselves getting in the way and limiting what we think we can do. External ageism is a whole 'nother ball o' wax. If I were suddenly unemployed or looking for work, I'd make the work myself. Do something entrepreneurial. Another approach is gig work, like you might find out at UpWork.com
I am 66 and if you were to look at our house from the street out front, I have 7 cameras out there and 4 out the back of this house. In the house, I have my Desktop Computer, with Dual screens, I use it to edit and cruise the Internet, and then I have a Laptop Hooked to 55 inch TV in the front room. I have a friend who is tech-illiterate
Beautiful, wholesome, and uplifting video. None of the alarmism and over exaggeration that is evermore common in tech videos. Thank you.
i'm not old, but i imagine leo is perfectly suited for old people learning computer usage
Tech certainly has come a long way since the 1950's/60's /70's (my younger years) and mostly gets better every year. Now, I'm retired and can play with whatever tech I want, it's great learning how to play video games, exploring digital art, new cameras! Thanks for another great video, Leo.
I turn 78 in a few months got my first computer around 1982, A radio shack coco. Installed a version of unix on it, learned assembly language programing for it. Don't do programing any more as anything I want is usually already out there for free. Still help clean up computers for people 10 to 20 years younger after they have done something dumb like installed a virus or given a "microsoft tech" access to their computer. Banking and bill payment is done online but only on my desktop, laptop, tablet and phone are to easily stolen. Passwords are not stored on the computer except for some woodworking forums I belong to and even there only on the desktop. Still maintain my own website mainly to keep the brain working and so family and friends can see what I have been doing with my woodworking hobby. Best part is I get 50 email addresses so when I visit a site or forum I am interested in I will make a new address for them, start getting spam I delete it. Getting older doesn't mean you have to shut your brain down.
To the person, everyone I have helped with their computer has copped the same plea. I try to encourage them but getting an older person interested in tech seems to be rare - at least in my area (quite rural).
At 81, I too enjoy what technology can/does to me and for me. Sometimes it is the only route to get the information needed or solve an issue. Where I really see that in action is with a visit to a doctor's office or medical facility. I then think back to "the way it use to be" and have to put a slight grin on my face.
The frustrating part of technology comes from trying to solve a basic computer issuea. Like the last three days trying to figure out why TH-cam videos would play but without sound. I would research and take enough stabs in the dark to correct it, only to find when I would boot up the next morning the issue had raised it's ugly head again.....and again. The big issues are, it takes sooooo much time and I don't speak the language. Therefore ,,,,,,,,,more research in a differnt direction.
I can trully say that since I found Ask Leo years ago it has been at the top of my "where do I start" list. The main reason, the diolog is something I do not have to spend time translating, gets right to the point and to a point even I can understand.
Thank you for your years of willingness to help non geeks like myself. Much appreciated Leo.
JimE
Thank you for this video and all your videos and don't stop. They are so helpful and the content and how you teach gets better all the time.
Leo, ..I've always enjoyed and picked up great tips over the years. I then assist friends of mine with their computer issues, with knowledge I have acquired from your videos, ...so all that gets passed on! I'm 67 also and many of my friends are a bit older, but that to you they can stay up to date in technology a bit more. Thanks for what you do, and happy birthday!
I'm 79 and am having a lot of trouble with the new tech. Going from win7 to win10 is proving to be a ROYAL HASSLE because my memory is not like it was 30 years ago. I would not leave win7 because it does all I need except for a few new programs that require win10.
It's not that different, you'll be ok. Don't persuade yourself it will be a problem. To quote Churchill “Don't argue about the difficulties. The difficulties will argue for themselves.”.
I'm 69 and teaching a beginning computers class. I've had no formal computer training. Never too old is exactly right!
Thank you Leo for this message!
Great words! All best.
Happy belated birthday Leo
Thank You,
At my "advanced" age, using technology has become like "juggling balls". I'm constantly having to learn new things, even basic things such as trying to install a bootable USB after eight months of trying: Windows, Ventoy and Hiren. All now impossible for me, even though having a bootable USB is self-evidently essential. I've recently bought another laptop in case I'm unable to get back into this laptop of three years. But my confidence is "shot" and I'll resort to the new laptop and attempt to set it up when the present laptop fails. Such have been the wearing effects of three years of tech, I'm afraid. Still, do keep up the good work: you must be doing people some good.
PS I wouldn't recommend tech. to others of a similar age. I wouldn't want to be held responsible for them enduring what I've had to in order to make it two-thirds of the way across the "swollen river" that is IT.
On a weekly basis I coach people in their seventies (+😊) with ‘a distance to the computer’ ☺️ for two hours. When they learn I learn. Rewarding for both parties 👍
As always well said and I wholeheartedly agree. Keep up the good work.
Happy belated Birthday, Leo!! 🎉🎉
Cecilia
Autistic, intellectual disability and with congenital rubella, and yet, I learned how to manipulate a computer when my late father bought his first in the early 90's. A Dos based Packard Bell Legend 386 SX, so a cut down variant of the DX version and he managed to upgrade it to Windows 3.1 at minimum.
Today, I run a 7th gen i5 desktop (dell Optiplex) and an 8th gen i5 Dell Latitude laptop and got it to network together at 58/59. I plan on building a newer i7, 13th gen desktop (ATX) desktop this year. Not my first, built an older AMD Athlon 800 based desktop in 2002 or so with 512 MB of RAM (the shniz at the time), bought the MD/processor/memory all barely used second hand from a friend that decided to do a major upgrade.
So these days, I zip files via the ether (WiFi) between the desktop and laptop (both Win 11) and can edit videos, use a DAW etc. So while I may be 59, I don't consider myself all that old in comparison to some folks, neurodiveristy be damned.
IT industries really have a bad reputation about this, especially in the east Asian countries. Most of companies have a limitation on age when recuiting. And when I was taking some interviews, they always implied that they prefer young because they think older people may be outdated in IT.
We have a lot of new concepts recently e.g. IoT, cloud, meta, SD(software defined) something, edge computing, generative AI, etc.. For me these are really old tech but packaged in a new marketing way. They are being well developed now because of the advancement of hardware.
Thus I suggest do not bind IT with age.
Thanks Leo
Things not helping:
- corporations that use tech to psychologically manipulate (in general), and thus drive FUD (REAL FUD, not crypto-bro "FUD")
- businesses that only pay lip service to very important things, like data security.
- businesses that exploit tech to gather EVERY bit of data, whether they absolutely need it or not.
- much more (three things above only scratch the surface of this tainted iceberg)
So I can definitely understand the young people wanting nothing to do with this stuff that's obviously-to-them being used to slam advertising garbage at them at all times. We need the tech that respects us as an implicit priority, and application developers need to go back to respecting a user's tech resources (there are still people who do amazing things for the Apple II series, and they know how to make their code fast AND not take up a lot of RAM. Embedded systems people are the closest modern equivalent.)
All that said, there are still things out there I want to learn (the pointer parts of C is a doable one; even the fundamentals of rust is evasive because it's in its syntax; I'll probably end up learning go better before I work rust out)
There are still large parts of this tech hellscape I want permanently rid of, and don't blame anyone for wanting nothing to do with. That all intersects with the most abusive of technology.
67? Whaaaaaaaaaat! My mom and dad are just a couple years older and they too look younger than their chronological age, but you look even younger, Leo! I guess the secret is that computer light bathing, great, I'm using this strategy for years and will continue to do so.
For all the ones on their computers feeling old about their capabilites: genz Z and alpha are becoming less tech-savvy than you, Idk if it's an average, but these youngns are increasilingy so, it's a trend, long gone is that sense of never catching up to them, ironically, that existential pain is old and gone. They are used to cellphones and easy "apps" and bad social media (which is unfortunate). The moral is: just don't quit tech, you might be wiser at it than your grandson/grandaughter, would you look at that!...
I've never had a cell phone. I don't need one for anything since I have a phone on the wall connected to a land line that is costing me $33 a month. I don't want to learn how to use one. I'd have to invent things to use it for and then use it every day so that I didn't forget what I had learned so far. Just not important to me.
Happy birthday pal
Btw, the CONSTANT needless, and often dumbed down changes to how various applications work are rewiring your brains, and not for the better. I would like to see some research on the ramifications of this for things like intelligence, attention span, memory, etc. What is the real purpose behind the constant changes? (Change is not always good).
Dang it the keyboard on my tablet has split in two makes typing a pain
I have known very young 80 year olds and ancient 30 year olds. Depends on the person and their attitude.
Thats basically Leo giving us a cuddle hehehehe
I had issues with getting into my old email with password and proper name etc, different phone & phone #, I went to old address & tried for hours, didn't work, when I got home I plugged in one of 5 old phones, & one an Obama phone had the email address I was searching fir an attorney. I'd loaned it to my closet alcoholic neighbor, I'd gotten important emails on it & she never even bothered to tell me. Moral of the story, if some one needs help but constantly is toxic to you, pray for them, leave aa or na infir all around, but avoid toxic people, don't gift or loan them money it goes to booze, sad, but better them then me.
Nope! I'm not too old. I do worry, however, that programers have forgotten just how long some of us have been using computers. The hubs had one built for us about 1995. I didn't want the thing. One day while he was at work and I was bored, I sat down and opened her up. Later, I learned about code, changed a couple things and....he lost his computer. My complaint, as of late, is that programs and operating systems are not designed to accommodate their aging users. These old eyes just can't take the glare like they used to. And, computers these days are locked down tight. I can't just open a file in the Windows folder, drop a line of code in there to fix it without bricking the machine. Sometimes it's not a simple black/white, white/black.
Happy birthday
Age can be relevant to technology, but not in the way stereotyping seems to dictate. I have used computer technology ever since it first became available at work and at home. Remember the Commodore 64? Or how about even before then: we had to program the very first desktop computer used for research. People really need to stop stereotyping. I find that so obnoxious and divisive, not to mention a sign of ignorance of the history of computer technology. I think older people can also make wiser use of technology because they can see the patterns: e.g., cell phones are being used to dumb down people, cause miscommunication, and to ultimately take control of them and their finances, not to mention maybe more devious uses in the future. For those reasons I limit my use of cell phones and "convenient" apps. I am writing from a desktop computer.
The Commodore 64 was my 2nd computer. I started with a VIC-20. Then after the 64 Got an Amiga 2000. Sure wish Commodore had stuck around.
I am a graduate in Electrical Engineering, and found out the when I got my first computer in the early 80s, I found out I should have been a hacker. I am kidding, but I do enjoy computer. I am 79. I switched to Linux two years ago and am not going back.
Well indeed age is not the key. The key is intelligence to learn and memorise... And most of people above 80 years cannot.
Perhaps more specifically, the people you're thinking of above 80 *believe* they cannot.
Technology is the best medicine for anything.
I wish my brain could grasp programming.
You are not too old to be confused by OneDrive. The young are just as much confused.
I couldn't agree with you more, Craig. I'm 73 and I've just moved from W8.1 to W10 a couple of months ago, and I absolutely hate OneDrive. In fact, it's my goal over the winter months to find out how to move all my files elsewhere, then more or less get rid of OneDrive from hogging all my stuff.
@@EIRE55
Take a look at local Network Attached Storage ... infinitely expandable, easily configurable and completely private.
"The Cloud" is simply a synonym for "someone else's computer".