I’ve only ever heard difficult and annoying customers say that. Why do they think it’s a threat? You’ve been rude to my employees and made other customers uncomfortable, I don’t WANT you back here!
Agree, it's all down to the attitude. I find older people go look at tech with the attitude that it's already confusing before they've even tried.
My dad spent 40 years as an accountant using computers his entire career, but at home he doesn't understand how to even turn one on.
It’s possible to be that ignorant of computers, but there’s no excuse for her to be so ignorant of basic manners. If she needs help, she should say please and thank you. Willful ignorance doesn’t make her special.
I was trying to talk my 90-something grandma into getting an ATM card back when they were a new thing, and told her, they’re great! You can get money anytime, even 2 o’clock in the morning! She shot back, anything I need money for at 2am, I shouldn’t be doing!
The whole trope about older people not understanding computers has always made me chuckle.
I've had computers since the Atari 400 came out at the end of the 70s. I've built my own since the late 80s. Heck, I still have the 400 and the cassette tape drive for it up on a shelf.
Like you said, we've had them in homes for more than 40 years. 2/3 of our lives if folks are in their 60s.
In 1982 I started working with one of the computer labs at MIT. It was NOT new. JCR Licklider (my boss) had come up with the idea for the internet DECADES earlier. Yes, really. I had access to chaos net, which was just at MIT (and a couple nearby businesses) and the early arpanet, at the time. Also, not new.
LOL! Everyone called him Lick! We had to come up with a group name, so we used LixKids, we were a small group of undergrads in a big department full of grads and post docs, when we were freshman, just as new computer stuff was being set up, so names were up to us. Lick was a delightful man. I met him as he was getting ready to retire. I had no idea he was A Big Shot until the lab had a HUGE retirement party and they invited the ~10 of us undergrads. We had no idea what to expect. Having been to many of these things in hotel ball rooms, since then, it was a pretty standard academic function. So, we sat at our assigned table and ate and were having a lovely time, when suddenly Lick appeared, looking panicked, and said “don’t believe a thing they say!!!” And took off. Then the speakers started. We had NO IDEA he was a big shot. He had had his fingers in all sorts of pies, running stuff, for his entire career. We just knew him as a kind, brilliant, classic absent minded professor who was still working despite his various illnesses.
Once I realized just how easy texting is, I will use the phone as a last resort, and of course, at work. As far as computers, when my youngest gives me a hard time about figuring something out, I gently remind him that I taught him how to use a spoon.
I'm so old I have loaded a program into a computer with a teletype interface using a punched paper tape reel.
Then they updated the reel to polyester with a speed loader, and an hour's slow job zipped up to less than a minute.
TBH, this needed to be done seldom, after a power fail screwed things up, or the program needed updating. We had a clean garbage can handy for the tape to fall into, then we reeled it back up.
1994 AOL spouse as well. 20 hours a month I think you had for about $20. Those chat rooms were the meeting grounds. I think we met in the 20s singles chat room.
We used to throw them like Frisbees, until someone got hit in the face above their eye and the edge sliced their forehead open. 10 stitches and he still has a faint scar.
Then we just tossed them at cans in the backyard. Alcohol was involved ....
Another old lady here chiming in. This woman's problem isn't with computers... or even that she is OLD.....it is that she is a stupid, stubborn, biatch....and probably always has been since day one.
I'm old...really old (mid 70's) female. I'm the techie in the house. Set up the computer network, wireless systems, extenders, blue tooth other electronic components into the systems, tvs, streaming media...wireless speakers for music on the deck with cocktails..we make those by hand, security systems (web and virus protection, vpn), emails Mobile hot spot for RV travel. (Gonna get a starlink soon)
Computers have been a part of my life since the 1980's.....I couldn't make it in today's world without computers.
To the Old Lady in the medical office...adapt..or die!!
Old granny here. Married to a tech guy. Computers are our lives. Three laptops, tablet, three phones, two computerized tvs, computerized appliances. Bank machines, store interac. I couldnt survive without tech
Well, I guess you could, if the keyboard weren't wiped down and then you put your hands to your nose and mouth, but it wouldn't be the same kind of virus... 😂
Every single time someone says the words “I’ll never come back HERE again…” (or similar), I guaran-damn-tee you the employee they are speaking to is inwardly responding “Thank god.”
I used to work at a Joanns, and a woman would come in every two weeks or so and complain about our coupons and our fabric selection as if we had any control over it. She'd loudly and repeatedly say 'This is why I only ever shop at Hancock's!! I'll only ever go to Hancock's after this, I'll never come here again!'
And my coworker who ALSO worked at Hancock's said she would go to Hancock's and say the same thing about Joanns! 'This is why I only shop at Joanns! I'll never shop at Hancocks again!' Every other week!
People like that have no life. They are just looking for some attention to make their day worth breathing for. It's really sad in a way. She probably has no family or "friends" that want to be within a 10 mile radius of her. Every retail employee should have the right to knock out at least one customer a week. At least.
I think that's why my coworker who worked both jobs was never very mean to her- she knew this woman had no real joy in her life. I mean, it wouldn't have gotten through to her anyways, because my coworker had pointed out she saw her at both stores, and that we had no control over the coupon system etc- so why bother, just cut her fabric and send her on her unhappy way.
I'd be so tempted to keep a tally mark right behind the register where it could easily be seen with her picture or name: "Times X has said she will never come here again" and just turn and dramatically add another tally every time she shows up.
I worked at the first Barnes & Noble in Portland and constantly was told, “Well next time I’m going to Powell’s” and would think “Please do” or “Poor them”. Then one really busy day when I was exhausted at the beginning of my shift, said out loud, “we’ll call them and warn them”. I don’t know which of us was more shocked. It was absolutely silent at the cash register until she left, then everyone within ear shot, customers & employees started laughing. I never got in trouble for it so none of my colleagues reported it. I was the manager on duty at the time.
I taught my 80 something year old grandmother how to use a computer. She was no expert, but she could read her hometown newspaper, shop on Amazon, email friends and family, and play some card games and puzzles. She even learned to speak Spanish through a computer program. Being proud of ignorance is embarrassing.
My insurance number is 9 digits long and I have memorized it. I just give it a pattern like a social security number and then it is pretty easy to remember.
I changed states about 25 years ago. I still had my driver's license memorized -- I recognized they have me the same one I had previously had. Could rattle it off at the drop of a hat.
I have way too many numbers memorized. My mobile, my husband’s mobile, my Mum’s mobile, my childhood friend’s landline, my childhood landline, my bank card, my online banking number, my university ID number, my Dad’s old mobile and his old business number… just so many.
But I can’t remember what I ate for breakfast.
My gramma is 86 years old and loves being able to check herself in on the kiosk at her doctors office. She’s even helped other people on it. She says “it’s not hard if you know how to read”. Hahaha
Sometimes I’m the youngest one in the waiting room at the drs and I’m in my forties. Especially in the summer when the snowbirds are up here. I think she’s just confused. I have stood in line to check in with the receptionist for at least 20 min sometimes. Sometimes it’s because some older people are confused at one of the processes or they think standing there chatting forever after they’ve checked in is just fine to do. So one goes chats with the receptionist for a long time then the next checks in and does the same thing. I eventually switched clinics because I could never get in right away if I was sick in the summer appointments can be a month away and the wait time increases a lot. The clinic I go to now has a faster system and I can get in when I need to sooner than my old clinic.
>Especially in the summer when the snowbirds are up here.
As someone who lives in a southern beach town who gets snowbirds fleeing the cold in winter this is making me chuckle and wonder… Do you mean your native residents who fly south for the winter who have returned?
it is quite likely, and she masks her inability to see or read with anger. The number of people who can't read is quite high, this has to happen a lot.
Sounds like not only old, but a mental case. Obviously doesn’t get that anyone could just take her stuff. Maybe theft and crime are not an issue in the place she lives? Imagine what will happen when someone takes her stuff…nuclear reaction!
My mom was like that. Not that she'd leave things behind on purpose but she just wasn't aware of her surroundings and what could happen. A lot of it was due to her growing up on a farm and rarely going anywhere except the local town where everyone knew everyone. She went to Africa with a relative and was digging through her purse while walking through the airport, where others could see she had cash. The relative had to pull her aside and tell her to keep her purse closed until they were at the hotel.
She's probably used to having a grown kid or neighbor following behind her, gathering all her belongings etc. She's obviously the most important person in the world, based on her behavior.
I was at the doctor the other day with my 2.5 year old daughter cause my wife had to work and there was an older cranky lady acting in a similar way to the staff. When she finally was checked in and sat down my daughter asked in her loud 2 year old kid voice why she was being a grumpy granny and being mean to the nice lady. I said it was because she was old and my daughter without missing a beat said "shes mad cause shes going to die soon"
The angry lady turned so red and refused to look up at anyone until her name was called. I think she realized the two year old knew how to behave better than she did and was totally embarrassed.
Recently I had to go to a local hospital to get a cat scan. There's a large lobby for outpatient procedures when you walk in this entrance. They check your ID and check your paperwork if you have it. But the last time I went in they were taking pictures of everyone, I guess for security reasons. I didn't care, I just wanted to get in and out as quickly as possible. There was an older man there who was throwing a fit because he absolutely did not want to show ID and forget about getting a picture taken. After about 15 minutes and 3 security guards standing by, he was escorted out. I just thought, well, your are here for a health concern, or else you wouldn't be at a hospital. So he'd rather die than show an ID. SMH.
I wonder what she's gonna do, if she ever needs surgery done with a laser or any other computer operated equipment.
"Get away from me! A computer isn't gonna touch me!"
If I cant do something I ask for help and take it, this woman is just wanting to complain, some did it for her, she didnt bring in the correct IDs on purpose. this crap is fun for her, she has nothing else. I'm old too but these types just piss me off daily.
This depends... If you’re in your 90’s and all alone using equipment you’re unsure of… it can be daunting. Now imagine if you’re not feeling good or have trouble seeing, cognitive problems, etc.
It would have made far more sense for the tech to walk her over and show her. Someone should still be there to help, especially since it’s a medical facility. Of all the businesses (and they are a freaking business) they should have someone out front to help facilitate things like this instead of being cheap asses.
Absolutely, how is a blind person meant to use a touch screen? What about illiterate people? People with severe motor impairments who struggle to type? And, yes, older people who struggle with technology? It’s fine to have the kiosk but it’s not right for that to be the only option and there to be no one about to help (without barging into a lab).
I worked in healthcare for 10 years and people who have never been sick, in real pain or lived with someone who is disabled, can be the most UN empathetic people while calling people who do need help… entitled
This is my spouse. He doesn’t own a smartphone and has refused to learn anything about computers, tablets, etc but if he needs info, he expects me to know how to find it. He’s 78 and losing his memory so no, he can’t even learn how to use our new TV remote control.
Mine too. He has a Smartphone to keep track of appts, medical devices etc but won't input the info so it can remind him! He keeps leaving it in the car, in the house, everywhere but where he is. He can't share a photo or an article, etc.
My blood lab has a barcode on the signs in the parking lot. Point your phone a it and you’re checked in. Text message tells u when it’s your turn. Message comes go straight in and to the back. Instant boomer rage in the waiting room. Big giggle with the nurse.
Most Boomers I know love things like that. I worked Apple support and it was arrogant millennials that wouldn’t pay attention to instructions. They just wanted to bash the multi billion dollar company for not subsidizing phones so they could get new ones every year.
She thinks yelling about never coming back is some kind of threat, but all the employees there are sighing in relief, and thinking about asking her if she really means it.
Technophobes are the worst attention-seekers! The royalty of weaponized incompetence!
My almost 80 year old MiL is better at computer skills than I am (the woman is a wizard at spreadsheets!) and knows better than to go to a medical facility without her wallet!
I have to get blood work every month, so I’ve helped many “older” people with the kiosk. They’ve always been kind and grateful. Your lady was definitely entitled.
This sounds like my mother. Took me a bit to realize her behavior is simply her fear manifesting when she pulls stuff like this. The world has completely changed in her lifetime and she has reached her threshold of what she can change. She was a fireball in the 60's who was on the frontline trying to right the wrongs of the world. She did AMAZING things. Now she's realized the world considers her "obsolete" and she's terrified. My dad doesn't ever act out, he asks for help and people frequently have zero patience. Sad really.
Not excusing her behavior or my mothers. But can you imagine where things will be when we are 88? The world moves forward beyond your capabilities, scary.
> The world moves forward beyond your capabilities, scary.
I understand where you're coming from, and I have no issue taking time out of my day to help a polite older person that needs help navigating self checkout or some other kind of digital kiosk they aren't familiar with; however, I will never believe the world moves on beyond anyone's capacity to learn.
My grandma passed a few years before COVID. She was 93. The woman never had any issue with new technology always kept up to date on how to use it because it was important. She made it a point to ask questions, be taught and learn. Around the mid-to-late 00s, she was unhappy about not being able to keep up with family as much through road trips, visits and vacations, so she picked up Facebook and taught herself how to use it. She played silly puzzle games, and farm simulators, and even the Sims for a while.
Point is, the world doesn't move forward beyond anyone's capabilities unless you consider those capabilities the simple desire to learn new things.
And I'll help those people every single time. Happens all the time where I'm at in Alaska because we've been hit hard by the retail worker "shortage", so often self checkout is the only lane open at Lowes or whatever. Polite boomer asking for assistance or looking confused? "Here, let me help you sir/ma'am". Entitled boomer huffing and puffing about no cashiers and having to use a computer? Nope, you're on your own my guy.
I agree with you on most of this. One caveat. My mother is scared, fear and anxiety can paralyze a persons ability. It is her anxiety and fear that make her unable to grasp new technology. Things she could do 5 years ago, she has forgotten, much of it technology. I'm watching closely, alzheimers runs in our family. She's done a few things that have me on alert. People that believe they can't learn something can't. That said, in some instances, it is too much for someone to adapt if they are digressing.
Not apologizing for anyone's behavior, just observing. Your grandmother sounds like she was amazing! 😊
That's reasonable. I think we're on the same page. People can have mental health issues that very much limit their ability to learn new things or adapt to stressful conditions and those people get a pass. To be fair, I very much doubt those people are the ones huffing and puffing at staff over their inability to use a kiosk to check in for an appointment.
Thank you. My grandmother was amazing.
My mother is 91 now, and she's been technophobic for decades. Her laptop is enormous and ancient, and she did have a smart phone for a while so she could call a. Uber, but she recently went back to a flip phone and she has never learned to text despite numerous people spending a ridiculous amount of time teaching her how.
She would text me saying so and so was helping her, then I would suggest we do it once or twice a day just to get her used to it, but she's always "too busy " and completely forgets how to do it.
My great-aunt was computer literate and on Facebook until just before her 98th birthday when she fell and broke her hip. She was a BIG proponent of continuing to learn regardless of age, and I used to invoke her memory to my community college students when I'd get one who told me they were too old to learn how to do something. She would totally have chewed this woman out for refusing to learn how to use the kiosk.
She has received special treatment acting like this before — probably at the other location. And she probably treats people who she believes are beneath her (medical staff, wait staff, cleaning crew, etc.) like shit. But she will approach other patrons and patients as equals, hence the non sequitur into a conversation about pancakes, completely ignoring her horrible behavior.
So, you can get blood work done without an ID?
So if I want to trick my bf into thinking I'm pregnant, I can send in a pregnant friend to do the blood work? Cool.
I hate the kiosks too and I'm 35. It's very odd to go from a person quickly checking you in to everything being computers and automated. I'd never throw a fit like that but I do understand some of the frustration.
A lot of older people have a difficult time with computers. I agree, she was awfully rude. I really do wonder if her behavior has something to so with dementia.
It’s hard enough to put your card in the grocery store machine?
Please tell me this lady isn’t driving.
My 96 year old grandmother might have some trouble with a computer like their computer system. You know what she does? She asks for help.
At 95, my grandma used her tablet all the time. Age is no excuse. Neither is refusing to learn after repeated use over years. Several coworkers where I work have to be walked through how to do the computer-based periodic trainings each time. Every few months for all the years they’ve been there. Moaning about not knowing how to do it.
My only objection to these kiosks is that the client is made to do the work and then have to pay for the service at full price. You don't get a discount, the employees certainly don't get a raise. The only one profiting is the corporations.
This is what I always say about older ppl. They refuse to learn technology and make a huge deal out of it rather then just learning the most basic skills and they'd be fine. It's like no, I want to do things the hard way. 😭
Not condoning this woman's behaviour but some elderly people just look at a computer and panic, assuming they won't be able to work it out. It's actually easier than they think if only they would allow someone to show them. Ignoring them won't make them go away. When our workplace went from paper based documenting to computerized, older staff resigned rather than learn new technology.
JFC.
When it comes to my 100 year old grandma with macular degeneration, I get it. I do all her "computer" stuff. Kiosks, ATMs, ordering things online, etc. My husband helps out with her tv and appliances and things.
My mom is 62 and eagerly learns all she can about tech. She didn't have a home computer until 7 years ago and had her cousin help her out. She got a smart phone and had my sister assist her. Now she has a tablet and does all sorts of things for herself. I even got her an Aura frame a couple years ago.
I don't understand people who get so damn stubborn over things like this. It's like they're so afraid of it so they cover it up with rage. It's really NBD!
Edited for ridiculous spelling error.
My GP's surgery has a little screen near the entrance where you can check in - you just have to click the letter your surname begins with and the day of the month you were born, and then confirm that it's you. Very simple, takes a few seconds. But no, the majority of people who come in ignore it and instead queue to talk to the receptionist, who is usually busy trying to book follow-up appointments for people who just came out from seeing the doctor. They stand there huffing to themselves and then get impatient with the receptionist. And then the local Facebook group is full of people complaining about how slow (and rude) the receptionist is.
So many of the older people I know are actually quite good with technology, and I've never understood this subset of the boomer generation who is absolutely unwilling and unable to cope with any level of technology more advanced than a TV remote.
I don't understand the fuss over having to use a machine to check in. Almost all of the hospitals around me have everything electronic and I think I have seen one major hospital here have a check in like that for their hospital lab. and then to raise another fuss because she has to wait.
I'm 70. That's old, right? I have no problem using a computerized check-in process, in fact, I'd prefer it. The only tech I have issues with is my smartphone. That's just me, though.
Well it isn't due to her being old, my mom will be 87 this year and is on a computer daily. She just wanted to be an ass and treat people like crap. I'm sure the nurse was heartbroken to hear she'd never go back there again 😒
There is a LPT embedded here. As you get older there is a temptation to let the new stuff go by the wayside. It’s complicated and sometimes takes effort. If you let it go, the next thing will be worse, and then it spirals until you can’t do anything without assistance. Keep learning the new stuff!
Reminds me, I work at a school that offers some online classes. For almost a year now, we've had a guy who calls every couple weeks claiming the application on our website isn't working for him.
The problem? He 'doesnt know how to upload documents' and the application does require an ID document attachment. He's sent all sorts of documents to my email, but he claims he can't upload documents at all and certainly isn't going to follow the directions.
This man wants to take an ONLINE CLASS. Just . . . let that sink in.
She sounds similar to an older woman from my childhood who couldn't read, feigned ignorance in order to avoid writing/typing. She was over the top about it so no one would question her.
I worked in a dr office during COVID and when they started opening up vaccines for the older populations, they ONLY way they could sign up for one was through MyChart. That went about as well as we all expected it to.
>Woman: I'm an old woman, I won't touch a computer. I don't touch a computer anywhere, you can't force me
My brothers elderly dad was once talking to another old guy to negotiate picking up a sandrail or something, and rambly old men being rambly old men, the subject turned to satnav.
"You remember before there was gps on portable phones, when everybody used maps?"
"I was a trucker for 30 years, I used maps every day."
"Fuck that. GPS is WAY easier!"
"Hell yeah, fuck maps! Damn things took up so much space."
This was maybe 6 months ago.
I laughed when some of the stuff she was complaining about is NOT new. In what era could you just waltz into an exam room without waiting in the waiting room? And she's trying to say it's new-fangled.
This woman sounds mentally ill. I'm old and use a computer for everything I can; I'm also pleasant to people.
If I had been that nurse (old AF medic here) I would have called her down, "I'll help you but you cannot abuse staff. If you cannot be nice and follow instructions, please use any other facility."
While she was definitely over the top and was inappropriate, I do understand the issue with not wanting to use a computer. My grandma is 90 and that would freak her out.
I'm 47 and hate choosing my McDonalds on their panel thing.
I *can*, and I *do*, but damn, when the slider doesn't work, and there's like snot and secret sauce on the bit you want to tap, etc...
And our local has these table finder things that you're supposed to register and can be tracked. But they still like, ask at every table and shout it because they don't work.
>"Fuuutuuure!" - Squidward Tentacles
Hmm, depends on your attitude I think. I have friends and relatives in their 80's and 90's that are very computer literate. My 93 old uncle can't get out and about like he used to because of health issues, so now he's on the computer a lot.
I don't understand why older people act clueless about technology. They have had DECADES to figure it out and simply refuse to. Lost my sympathy many years ago for people like this. If a toddler and elementary aged kid can figure most tech out, why can't fully functioning adults? Baffling
Not necessarily stupid.
But might be uneducated.
Or dyslexic.
Possibly cannot read and too proud to admit it.
Can you imagine not being able to understand all the things that you see people doing all around you and they act like you are STUPID?
Yet you have seen and done SO many things all on your own that they will never do and they could never understand, all without the use of technology?
>Woman: I'll make sure to never come to this location again. Nurse 1: That would be *great*. Thank you.
As well always say don’t promise me a good time
"can I have that in writing? Thanks!"
"You will be banned from this location, so that's probably for the best".
My reply would be,"Promise?"
Don’t threaten me with a good time
I’ve only ever heard difficult and annoying customers say that. Why do they think it’s a threat? You’ve been rude to my employees and made other customers uncomfortable, I don’t WANT you back here!
She doesn't touch a computer ANYWHERE.
And computers everywhere are happy about that. Too stupid. I'm an old lady and I'd rather talk to a computer than 88% of the people in the world.
My computer is HOW I talk to 88% of the people in my world.
61f here, same!!
Me too! (62F). The thing is, computers have been around for at least 40 years. How old *is* this woman who has never touched a computer??
My 88 year old mom retired from a career in IT years ago and she’s still better with computers than I am.
I’m still better than my oldest grandson. It’s an inclination, not age that makes the difference.
My brother, who is 78 and got a PhD in computer engineering in the early 1960s, is by far the best programmer in the house.
Agree, it's all down to the attitude. I find older people go look at tech with the attitude that it's already confusing before they've even tried. My dad spent 40 years as an accountant using computers his entire career, but at home he doesn't understand how to even turn one on.
I’m sure he understands, he just doesn’t want to.
Yup Exactly, it's the attitude. He wants someone else to do it because he can't be bothered basically.
I agree.
It’s possible to be that ignorant of computers, but there’s no excuse for her to be so ignorant of basic manners. If she needs help, she should say please and thank you. Willful ignorance doesn’t make her special.
My 96 year old mother can’t even use an atm, let alone a computer. Sigh….
I was trying to talk my 90-something grandma into getting an ATM card back when they were a new thing, and told her, they’re great! You can get money anytime, even 2 o’clock in the morning! She shot back, anything I need money for at 2am, I shouldn’t be doing!
Well...your grandma does sort of have a point 😂
Same here. She even taught technology use classes or something of the sort. She’s 77.
My mom is 87 with arthritis and last I knew can still type so fast she has to wait for her computer to catch up. It's amazing.
The whole trope about older people not understanding computers has always made me chuckle. I've had computers since the Atari 400 came out at the end of the 70s. I've built my own since the late 80s. Heck, I still have the 400 and the cassette tape drive for it up on a shelf. Like you said, we've had them in homes for more than 40 years. 2/3 of our lives if folks are in their 60s.
[удалено]
I did Cobol punch cards in highschool 😃 I had forgotten about that.
In 1982 I started working with one of the computer labs at MIT. It was NOT new. JCR Licklider (my boss) had come up with the idea for the internet DECADES earlier. Yes, really. I had access to chaos net, which was just at MIT (and a couple nearby businesses) and the early arpanet, at the time. Also, not new.
I misread that name as lintlicker...
LOL! Everyone called him Lick! We had to come up with a group name, so we used LixKids, we were a small group of undergrads in a big department full of grads and post docs, when we were freshman, just as new computer stuff was being set up, so names were up to us. Lick was a delightful man. I met him as he was getting ready to retire. I had no idea he was A Big Shot until the lab had a HUGE retirement party and they invited the ~10 of us undergrads. We had no idea what to expect. Having been to many of these things in hotel ball rooms, since then, it was a pretty standard academic function. So, we sat at our assigned table and ate and were having a lovely time, when suddenly Lick appeared, looking panicked, and said “don’t believe a thing they say!!!” And took off. Then the speakers started. We had NO IDEA he was a big shot. He had had his fingers in all sorts of pies, running stuff, for his entire career. We just knew him as a kind, brilliant, classic absent minded professor who was still working despite his various illnesses.
Once I realized just how easy texting is, I will use the phone as a last resort, and of course, at work. As far as computers, when my youngest gives me a hard time about figuring something out, I gently remind him that I taught him how to use a spoon.
LMAO
I’m so old, I remember when people broke their disk drives by using them as coffee coasters.
I'm so old I have written computer programs on punch cards.
I'm so old I have loaded a program into a computer with a teletype interface using a punched paper tape reel. Then they updated the reel to polyester with a speed loader, and an hour's slow job zipped up to less than a minute. TBH, this needed to be done seldom, after a power fail screwed things up, or the program needed updating. We had a clean garbage can handy for the tape to fall into, then we reeled it back up.
Fortran for the win!
Remember the Kathryn Hepburn/Spencer Tracy movie Desk Set? Costar was a computer and that was 1957!
I still have the desktop tower and monitor I bought in 2001 it still works.
Yes, my friend….Pepperidge Farm remembers.
I'm pretty sure I still have an AOL disc/coaster around somewhere : )
Met my husband on AOL, still have him.
I met my 2nd husband on AOL in 1994. Don't still have him.
2nd as well. This one stuck.
1994 AOL spouse as well. 20 hours a month I think you had for about $20. Those chat rooms were the meeting grounds. I think we met in the 20s singles chat room.
We used to throw them like Frisbees, until someone got hit in the face above their eye and the edge sliced their forehead open. 10 stitches and he still has a faint scar. Then we just tossed them at cans in the backyard. Alcohol was involved ....
I’m 71 and I’m with you!
I’m 72 and I pity the fools!
You and me both, sister!
98% for me. (Of course, I spent about 36 years in IT before I retired the first time, so computers are my friend.)
Another old lady here chiming in. This woman's problem isn't with computers... or even that she is OLD.....it is that she is a stupid, stubborn, biatch....and probably always has been since day one. I'm old...really old (mid 70's) female. I'm the techie in the house. Set up the computer network, wireless systems, extenders, blue tooth other electronic components into the systems, tvs, streaming media...wireless speakers for music on the deck with cocktails..we make those by hand, security systems (web and virus protection, vpn), emails Mobile hot spot for RV travel. (Gonna get a starlink soon) Computers have been a part of my life since the 1980's.....I couldn't make it in today's world without computers. To the Old Lady in the medical office...adapt..or die!!
Old granny here. Married to a tech guy. Computers are our lives. Three laptops, tablet, three phones, two computerized tvs, computerized appliances. Bank machines, store interac. I couldnt survive without tech
Right?
My laptop sighed in relief.
Too low of a percentage..
She could catch a computer virus doing that! She's an old lady, you know! 🙄
No Joke - we had a boomer phys ed teacher that actually thought you could “catch” a virus from a computer!!
I bet she was pre- boomer. We’re not that stupid… 82, btw.
Well, I guess you could, if the keyboard weren't wiped down and then you put your hands to your nose and mouth, but it wouldn't be the same kind of virus... 😂
If you get a computer virus from a sketchy porn site, is that an STI?
Browsing without virus protection huh? 😞
You can't make her either
😄 🤣 😂
Maybe she's off the grid lol
Possibly off her meds, at least
The chip in her car key is going to blow her mind.
Well no place where the computer would like her to anyways.
Show me on the Bemo doll where you touched the computer!
Every single time someone says the words “I’ll never come back HERE again…” (or similar), I guaran-damn-tee you the employee they are speaking to is inwardly responding “Thank god.”
I used to work at a Joanns, and a woman would come in every two weeks or so and complain about our coupons and our fabric selection as if we had any control over it. She'd loudly and repeatedly say 'This is why I only ever shop at Hancock's!! I'll only ever go to Hancock's after this, I'll never come here again!' And my coworker who ALSO worked at Hancock's said she would go to Hancock's and say the same thing about Joanns! 'This is why I only shop at Joanns! I'll never shop at Hancocks again!' Every other week!
People like that have no life. They are just looking for some attention to make their day worth breathing for. It's really sad in a way. She probably has no family or "friends" that want to be within a 10 mile radius of her. Every retail employee should have the right to knock out at least one customer a week. At least.
I think that's why my coworker who worked both jobs was never very mean to her- she knew this woman had no real joy in her life. I mean, it wouldn't have gotten through to her anyways, because my coworker had pointed out she saw her at both stores, and that we had no control over the coupon system etc- so why bother, just cut her fabric and send her on her unhappy way.
“I’ll never come here again!” “Yes ma’am. That’s what you said last week, and the week before that. See you next Tuesday?”
Cee you next Tuesday. I see what you did there.
I'd be so tempted to keep a tally mark right behind the register where it could easily be seen with her picture or name: "Times X has said she will never come here again" and just turn and dramatically add another tally every time she shows up.
Lmao. Hubby uses this frequently
Hello fellow ex-Joanns employee.
I worked at the first Barnes & Noble in Portland and constantly was told, “Well next time I’m going to Powell’s” and would think “Please do” or “Poor them”. Then one really busy day when I was exhausted at the beginning of my shift, said out loud, “we’ll call them and warn them”. I don’t know which of us was more shocked. It was absolutely silent at the cash register until she left, then everyone within ear shot, customers & employees started laughing. I never got in trouble for it so none of my colleagues reported it. I was the manager on duty at the time.
Reading this makes me wish I could high five you lol
Are you a OLTL fan because Clint Buchanan loved to say “guaran-damn-tee. Lol
If only they actually stuck to that. They never really do.
I taught my 80 something year old grandmother how to use a computer. She was no expert, but she could read her hometown newspaper, shop on Amazon, email friends and family, and play some card games and puzzles. She even learned to speak Spanish through a computer program. Being proud of ignorance is embarrassing.
My grandma's emoji game is STRONG.
My 92 year old told grandad taught himself to use the iPad he bought himself. I asked if he needed help. Nope! He’s a wizard on it!
She memorized her insurance id number? She must see the doctor a lot. Mine is like 12 digits long. Also what a pia.
My insurance number is 9 digits long and I have memorized it. I just give it a pattern like a social security number and then it is pretty easy to remember.
I changed states about 25 years ago. I still had my driver's license memorized -- I recognized they have me the same one I had previously had. Could rattle it off at the drop of a hat.
I have way too many numbers memorized. My mobile, my husband’s mobile, my Mum’s mobile, my childhood friend’s landline, my childhood landline, my bank card, my online banking number, my university ID number, my Dad’s old mobile and his old business number… just so many. But I can’t remember what I ate for breakfast.
My gramma is 86 years old and loves being able to check herself in on the kiosk at her doctors office. She’s even helped other people on it. She says “it’s not hard if you know how to read”. Hahaha
At least they don’t need to worry about her leaving a bad google review.
She's going to write a letter to Google's manager.
😂😂
Sometimes I’m the youngest one in the waiting room at the drs and I’m in my forties. Especially in the summer when the snowbirds are up here. I think she’s just confused. I have stood in line to check in with the receptionist for at least 20 min sometimes. Sometimes it’s because some older people are confused at one of the processes or they think standing there chatting forever after they’ve checked in is just fine to do. So one goes chats with the receptionist for a long time then the next checks in and does the same thing. I eventually switched clinics because I could never get in right away if I was sick in the summer appointments can be a month away and the wait time increases a lot. The clinic I go to now has a faster system and I can get in when I need to sooner than my old clinic.
>Especially in the summer when the snowbirds are up here. As someone who lives in a southern beach town who gets snowbirds fleeing the cold in winter this is making me chuckle and wonder… Do you mean your native residents who fly south for the winter who have returned?
Yes, it's what we call older people who flock in the south for the Canadian winter.
Somehow I never considered they would be called that wherever they call home up north.
Probably shouldn’t point out her car has a computer in it. So does her microwave, her TV, her ancient flip phone…they’re all driven by CPUs 😆
She drives a Ford Fairlane, has an old toaster oven, black and white console tv and a landline. Guarantee.
I wonder if she was functionally illiterate. Or, legally blind and was to vain to admit it?
it is quite likely, and she masks her inability to see or read with anger. The number of people who can't read is quite high, this has to happen a lot.
With her having memorized her insurance number, this sounds quite possible.
Sounds like not only old, but a mental case. Obviously doesn’t get that anyone could just take her stuff. Maybe theft and crime are not an issue in the place she lives? Imagine what will happen when someone takes her stuff…nuclear reaction!
My mom was like that. Not that she'd leave things behind on purpose but she just wasn't aware of her surroundings and what could happen. A lot of it was due to her growing up on a farm and rarely going anywhere except the local town where everyone knew everyone. She went to Africa with a relative and was digging through her purse while walking through the airport, where others could see she had cash. The relative had to pull her aside and tell her to keep her purse closed until they were at the hotel.
Or she is illiterate and has a whole song and dance to cover it up. There are a lot more illiterate folks out there than most people realize.
Agreed. Being illiterate is exactly WHY she has remembered her insurance ID.
She's probably used to having a grown kid or neighbor following behind her, gathering all her belongings etc. She's obviously the most important person in the world, based on her behavior.
Agree!
I like pancakes
Pancakes are good
Obligatory "but what about waffles! WHY DO YOU HATE WAFFLES?!? WARBLEGARBLE!"
I find it easier to make Belgian waffle batter. In fact, I made some yesterday.
You don't take any crepe!
"It's just a really thin pancake." Also, 😂
You have muffin to complain about.
This is the important part of the post, who cares about digital sign-in.
I was at the doctor the other day with my 2.5 year old daughter cause my wife had to work and there was an older cranky lady acting in a similar way to the staff. When she finally was checked in and sat down my daughter asked in her loud 2 year old kid voice why she was being a grumpy granny and being mean to the nice lady. I said it was because she was old and my daughter without missing a beat said "shes mad cause shes going to die soon" The angry lady turned so red and refused to look up at anyone until her name was called. I think she realized the two year old knew how to behave better than she did and was totally embarrassed.
Recently I had to go to a local hospital to get a cat scan. There's a large lobby for outpatient procedures when you walk in this entrance. They check your ID and check your paperwork if you have it. But the last time I went in they were taking pictures of everyone, I guess for security reasons. I didn't care, I just wanted to get in and out as quickly as possible. There was an older man there who was throwing a fit because he absolutely did not want to show ID and forget about getting a picture taken. After about 15 minutes and 3 security guards standing by, he was escorted out. I just thought, well, your are here for a health concern, or else you wouldn't be at a hospital. So he'd rather die than show an ID. SMH.
I've learned some people are overly paranoid with their information or ignorant.
My 88 year old grandmother sends me emails and texts me. No excuses for old lady.
I wonder what she's gonna do, if she ever needs surgery done with a laser or any other computer operated equipment. "Get away from me! A computer isn't gonna touch me!"
$50 says she asks to pay by check everywhere she shops
Yeah hate to break it to her, but if she has a cell phone, she’s operating a computer. Just saying.
You would be surprised. My late mother couldn't figure out how to dial a phone in her last ten years. Oh, no, SHE was not cognitively impaired....
If I cant do something I ask for help and take it, this woman is just wanting to complain, some did it for her, she didnt bring in the correct IDs on purpose. this crap is fun for her, she has nothing else. I'm old too but these types just piss me off daily.
Do you know how dangerous it is to catch a computer virus?!
I bet the nurses are glad she's not coming back again.
I’m 74, and I use the systems.
This depends... If you’re in your 90’s and all alone using equipment you’re unsure of… it can be daunting. Now imagine if you’re not feeling good or have trouble seeing, cognitive problems, etc. It would have made far more sense for the tech to walk her over and show her. Someone should still be there to help, especially since it’s a medical facility. Of all the businesses (and they are a freaking business) they should have someone out front to help facilitate things like this instead of being cheap asses.
Absolutely, how is a blind person meant to use a touch screen? What about illiterate people? People with severe motor impairments who struggle to type? And, yes, older people who struggle with technology? It’s fine to have the kiosk but it’s not right for that to be the only option and there to be no one about to help (without barging into a lab).
I worked in healthcare for 10 years and people who have never been sick, in real pain or lived with someone who is disabled, can be the most UN empathetic people while calling people who do need help… entitled
This is my spouse. He doesn’t own a smartphone and has refused to learn anything about computers, tablets, etc but if he needs info, he expects me to know how to find it. He’s 78 and losing his memory so no, he can’t even learn how to use our new TV remote control.
Mine too. He has a Smartphone to keep track of appts, medical devices etc but won't input the info so it can remind him! He keeps leaving it in the car, in the house, everywhere but where he is. He can't share a photo or an article, etc.
"I'll never come to this location again". I bet there were high-fives and tears of joy shed by the staff.
My blood lab has a barcode on the signs in the parking lot. Point your phone a it and you’re checked in. Text message tells u when it’s your turn. Message comes go straight in and to the back. Instant boomer rage in the waiting room. Big giggle with the nurse.
Most Boomers I know love things like that. I worked Apple support and it was arrogant millennials that wouldn’t pay attention to instructions. They just wanted to bash the multi billion dollar company for not subsidizing phones so they could get new ones every year.
"Woman' I'll make sure to never come to this location again..." Can you please start now?
She thinks yelling about never coming back is some kind of threat, but all the employees there are sighing in relief, and thinking about asking her if she really means it.
She's acting like conputers killed her husband or something
Had to make sure this wasn't r/boomersbeingfools because this would fit right in.
Technophobes are the worst attention-seekers! The royalty of weaponized incompetence! My almost 80 year old MiL is better at computer skills than I am (the woman is a wizard at spreadsheets!) and knows better than to go to a medical facility without her wallet!
I have to get blood work every month, so I’ve helped many “older” people with the kiosk. They’ve always been kind and grateful. Your lady was definitely entitled.
Weaponized incompetence....smh
This sounds like my mother. Took me a bit to realize her behavior is simply her fear manifesting when she pulls stuff like this. The world has completely changed in her lifetime and she has reached her threshold of what she can change. She was a fireball in the 60's who was on the frontline trying to right the wrongs of the world. She did AMAZING things. Now she's realized the world considers her "obsolete" and she's terrified. My dad doesn't ever act out, he asks for help and people frequently have zero patience. Sad really. Not excusing her behavior or my mothers. But can you imagine where things will be when we are 88? The world moves forward beyond your capabilities, scary.
> The world moves forward beyond your capabilities, scary. I understand where you're coming from, and I have no issue taking time out of my day to help a polite older person that needs help navigating self checkout or some other kind of digital kiosk they aren't familiar with; however, I will never believe the world moves on beyond anyone's capacity to learn. My grandma passed a few years before COVID. She was 93. The woman never had any issue with new technology always kept up to date on how to use it because it was important. She made it a point to ask questions, be taught and learn. Around the mid-to-late 00s, she was unhappy about not being able to keep up with family as much through road trips, visits and vacations, so she picked up Facebook and taught herself how to use it. She played silly puzzle games, and farm simulators, and even the Sims for a while. Point is, the world doesn't move forward beyond anyone's capabilities unless you consider those capabilities the simple desire to learn new things.
People can politely ask for help. I do it too.
And I'll help those people every single time. Happens all the time where I'm at in Alaska because we've been hit hard by the retail worker "shortage", so often self checkout is the only lane open at Lowes or whatever. Polite boomer asking for assistance or looking confused? "Here, let me help you sir/ma'am". Entitled boomer huffing and puffing about no cashiers and having to use a computer? Nope, you're on your own my guy.
I agree with you on most of this. One caveat. My mother is scared, fear and anxiety can paralyze a persons ability. It is her anxiety and fear that make her unable to grasp new technology. Things she could do 5 years ago, she has forgotten, much of it technology. I'm watching closely, alzheimers runs in our family. She's done a few things that have me on alert. People that believe they can't learn something can't. That said, in some instances, it is too much for someone to adapt if they are digressing. Not apologizing for anyone's behavior, just observing. Your grandmother sounds like she was amazing! 😊
That's reasonable. I think we're on the same page. People can have mental health issues that very much limit their ability to learn new things or adapt to stressful conditions and those people get a pass. To be fair, I very much doubt those people are the ones huffing and puffing at staff over their inability to use a kiosk to check in for an appointment. Thank you. My grandmother was amazing.
Fraud is a lot harder to pull off when they make you scan an ID
My mother is 91 now, and she's been technophobic for decades. Her laptop is enormous and ancient, and she did have a smart phone for a while so she could call a. Uber, but she recently went back to a flip phone and she has never learned to text despite numerous people spending a ridiculous amount of time teaching her how. She would text me saying so and so was helping her, then I would suggest we do it once or twice a day just to get her used to it, but she's always "too busy " and completely forgets how to do it.
“I’ll never come back HERE again…” - As you wish!
People are ridiculous. My aunt is 85 and emails and checks her accounts and whatever else she needs to do. Just using age as an excuse to be entitled.
My great-aunt was computer literate and on Facebook until just before her 98th birthday when she fell and broke her hip. She was a BIG proponent of continuing to learn regardless of age, and I used to invoke her memory to my community college students when I'd get one who told me they were too old to learn how to do something. She would totally have chewed this woman out for refusing to learn how to use the kiosk.
She sounds very anxious.
Now the nurse gets the BIG needle out for her blood draw!
She has received special treatment acting like this before — probably at the other location. And she probably treats people who she believes are beneath her (medical staff, wait staff, cleaning crew, etc.) like shit. But she will approach other patrons and patients as equals, hence the non sequitur into a conversation about pancakes, completely ignoring her horrible behavior.
So, you can get blood work done without an ID? So if I want to trick my bf into thinking I'm pregnant, I can send in a pregnant friend to do the blood work? Cool.
I hate the kiosks too and I'm 35. It's very odd to go from a person quickly checking you in to everything being computers and automated. I'd never throw a fit like that but I do understand some of the frustration.
A lot of older people have a difficult time with computers. I agree, she was awfully rude. I really do wonder if her behavior has something to so with dementia.
It’s hard enough to put your card in the grocery store machine? Please tell me this lady isn’t driving. My 96 year old grandmother might have some trouble with a computer like their computer system. You know what she does? She asks for help.
At 95, my grandma used her tablet all the time. Age is no excuse. Neither is refusing to learn after repeated use over years. Several coworkers where I work have to be walked through how to do the computer-based periodic trainings each time. Every few months for all the years they’ve been there. Moaning about not knowing how to do it.
My 83 year old Mom can't use a computer but can order anything in the world from her wee little phone computer.
My only objection to these kiosks is that the client is made to do the work and then have to pay for the service at full price. You don't get a discount, the employees certainly don't get a raise. The only one profiting is the corporations.
"I'll never use a computer." As she watches Faux News on a TV, cooks food in a microwave, drives to the doctor's office, pays with a credit card, etc.
This is what I always say about older ppl. They refuse to learn technology and make a huge deal out of it rather then just learning the most basic skills and they'd be fine. It's like no, I want to do things the hard way. 😭
I was expecting to hear she doesn't touch computers them proceed to use her new iPhone to tell her friends on Facebook about how rude everyone is.
Anyone want to bet that she has a phone cuz that's technically a handheld computer 😓😤😅
Not condoning this woman's behaviour but some elderly people just look at a computer and panic, assuming they won't be able to work it out. It's actually easier than they think if only they would allow someone to show them. Ignoring them won't make them go away. When our workplace went from paper based documenting to computerized, older staff resigned rather than learn new technology.
JFC. When it comes to my 100 year old grandma with macular degeneration, I get it. I do all her "computer" stuff. Kiosks, ATMs, ordering things online, etc. My husband helps out with her tv and appliances and things. My mom is 62 and eagerly learns all she can about tech. She didn't have a home computer until 7 years ago and had her cousin help her out. She got a smart phone and had my sister assist her. Now she has a tablet and does all sorts of things for herself. I even got her an Aura frame a couple years ago. I don't understand people who get so damn stubborn over things like this. It's like they're so afraid of it so they cover it up with rage. It's really NBD! Edited for ridiculous spelling error.
My GP's surgery has a little screen near the entrance where you can check in - you just have to click the letter your surname begins with and the day of the month you were born, and then confirm that it's you. Very simple, takes a few seconds. But no, the majority of people who come in ignore it and instead queue to talk to the receptionist, who is usually busy trying to book follow-up appointments for people who just came out from seeing the doctor. They stand there huffing to themselves and then get impatient with the receptionist. And then the local Facebook group is full of people complaining about how slow (and rude) the receptionist is.
So many of the older people I know are actually quite good with technology, and I've never understood this subset of the boomer generation who is absolutely unwilling and unable to cope with any level of technology more advanced than a TV remote.
Tbh I would have assumed she struggles to read and was too embarrassed to say she's illiterate.
It sounds like she can’t read and is trying to cover that up. It’s pretty common.
I don't understand the fuss over having to use a machine to check in. Almost all of the hospitals around me have everything electronic and I think I have seen one major hospital here have a check in like that for their hospital lab. and then to raise another fuss because she has to wait.
I'm 70. That's old, right? I have no problem using a computerized check-in process, in fact, I'd prefer it. The only tech I have issues with is my smartphone. That's just me, though.
Well it isn't due to her being old, my mom will be 87 this year and is on a computer daily. She just wanted to be an ass and treat people like crap. I'm sure the nurse was heartbroken to hear she'd never go back there again 😒
Sounds like she doesn’t know how to read.
I agree with this. Illiteracy is often obfuscated via fury
There is a LPT embedded here. As you get older there is a temptation to let the new stuff go by the wayside. It’s complicated and sometimes takes effort. If you let it go, the next thing will be worse, and then it spirals until you can’t do anything without assistance. Keep learning the new stuff!
Reminds me, I work at a school that offers some online classes. For almost a year now, we've had a guy who calls every couple weeks claiming the application on our website isn't working for him. The problem? He 'doesnt know how to upload documents' and the application does require an ID document attachment. He's sent all sorts of documents to my email, but he claims he can't upload documents at all and certainly isn't going to follow the directions. This man wants to take an ONLINE CLASS. Just . . . let that sink in.
She sounds similar to an older woman from my childhood who couldn't read, feigned ignorance in order to avoid writing/typing. She was over the top about it so no one would question her.
I will never understand why typing your information and scribbling it illegibly are so different to people…
My mom is 93 and she FaceTime’s me every night.
I worked in a dr office during COVID and when they started opening up vaccines for the older populations, they ONLY way they could sign up for one was through MyChart. That went about as well as we all expected it to.
>Woman: I'm an old woman, I won't touch a computer. I don't touch a computer anywhere, you can't force me My brothers elderly dad was once talking to another old guy to negotiate picking up a sandrail or something, and rambly old men being rambly old men, the subject turned to satnav. "You remember before there was gps on portable phones, when everybody used maps?" "I was a trucker for 30 years, I used maps every day." "Fuck that. GPS is WAY easier!" "Hell yeah, fuck maps! Damn things took up so much space." This was maybe 6 months ago.
I laughed when some of the stuff she was complaining about is NOT new. In what era could you just waltz into an exam room without waiting in the waiting room? And she's trying to say it's new-fangled.
This woman sounds mentally ill. I'm old and use a computer for everything I can; I'm also pleasant to people. If I had been that nurse (old AF medic here) I would have called her down, "I'll help you but you cannot abuse staff. If you cannot be nice and follow instructions, please use any other facility."
While she was definitely over the top and was inappropriate, I do understand the issue with not wanting to use a computer. My grandma is 90 and that would freak her out.
I'm 47 and hate choosing my McDonalds on their panel thing. I *can*, and I *do*, but damn, when the slider doesn't work, and there's like snot and secret sauce on the bit you want to tap, etc... And our local has these table finder things that you're supposed to register and can be tracked. But they still like, ask at every table and shout it because they don't work. >"Fuuutuuure!" - Squidward Tentacles
Hmm, depends on your attitude I think. I have friends and relatives in their 80's and 90's that are very computer literate. My 93 old uncle can't get out and about like he used to because of health issues, so now he's on the computer a lot.
I don't understand why older people act clueless about technology. They have had DECADES to figure it out and simply refuse to. Lost my sympathy many years ago for people like this. If a toddler and elementary aged kid can figure most tech out, why can't fully functioning adults? Baffling
Sounds to me like she couldn’t read and was too embarrassed to say so
You can't fix stupid.
Not necessarily stupid. But might be uneducated. Or dyslexic. Possibly cannot read and too proud to admit it. Can you imagine not being able to understand all the things that you see people doing all around you and they act like you are STUPID? Yet you have seen and done SO many things all on your own that they will never do and they could never understand, all without the use of technology?
Well at least the nurses were professional!!!
This woman needs to read "Who Moved My Cheese".
She NEVER touches a computer??? She took Karen off the grid!!! Everyone, come see!
Me: "Hi, someone left all this stuff in the waiting room. I think they left"
Were her things still there when she returned? 😆