Seniors and computers

Next weekend's Sydney ABC computer spot topic is seniors and computers. This was an idea of June, Simon's producer. It's a good idea with NSW Seniors week starting on Sunday.

The problem I have is how not to sound patronising. The fact is most seniors I know who use the net are probably more knowledgeable than the teenagers and twenty somethings. The idea that computers are only for the young is, at best, plain stupid.

It still surprises me how many people think computers are complex to use. Compared to the reflexes and dexterity required to drive a car, computers are easy. The biggest problem I find is that some people are genuinely scared of them.

So, what do I talk about? My idea is to start with the fact that I find many older users to be as good as the kids and computers are not only for Generation Z. From there, go onto talk about the advantages, learning and security.

The problem with the security angle is that we'll be also discussing Internet Explorer's latest security holes. So I might be confirming in some people's minds computers are not for them.