In order to read what I'm writing here, you have mastered a set of tools (computer, mouse, internet, finding an address, etc.) that give you an advantage in staying self-reliant and independent.
A 2006 article titled 'Factors predicting the use of technology: Findings from the center for research and education on aging and technology enhancement (create)' and published in Psychology and Aging reports on a study of 1,204 individuals. "The successful adoption of technology is becoming increasingly important to functional independence. The present article reports findings from the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) on the use of technology among community-dwelling adults."
This makes sense to me--learning anything new helps keep you flexible. Assuming you choose to learn something relevant to you, it should help you in concrete ways. Learning technology keeps you close to the present, and the tools themselves provide ways to communicate, solve problems and stay part of the world. Which means I will probably have to learn how (and even why) to use Twitter...
The article goes on to say, "All participants completed a battery that included measures of demographic characteristics, self-rated health, experience with technology, attitudes toward computers, and component cognitive abilities. Findings indicate that the older adults were less likely than younger adults to use technology in general, computers, and the World Wide Web. The results also indicate that computer anxiety, fluid intelligence, and crystallized intelligence were important predictors of the use of technology. The relationship between age and adoption of technology was mediated by cognitive abilities, computer self-efficacy, and computer anxiety."
So, yes, it's tougher to stay on top of things as we get older. But it's obviously worth it. So, I'll give you about 30 seconds to feel good about yourselves.... ready? Now go teach someone else how to do what you have learned. Pass it on.
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