Keeping Up With Today’s IT for the Older Generation

Featured article by Rick DelGado, Independent Technology Author

Everything in the world seems to be entering the technological world, and that might be a little difficult for those of us who weren’t born in the middle of the digital revolution. After spending life completely disconnected from the internet and technology, making the transition to this new world isn’t something all of us are looking forward to. But it doesn’t have to be a difficult thing. Staying in touch with your young side and keeping up with all the latest IT inventions isn’t impossible if you just know the basics.

Keeping in touch with anyone today requires some sort of digital device. If you want to talk to your grandkids, it’s through Skype or FaceTime. If you want to know what is going on in the world around you, you can no longer just grab a newspaper. It’s all online. Technology might be a little scary, but it’s something that needs to be embraced. You don’t have to become an expert on day one; even the younger generations are having to learn how new devices and applications work. Ask for help, play around with devices, be patient and it will come to you.

When it comes to technology at home, you might be too afraid to ask your grandkids for help, but work is a whole different story. Ken Dytchwald, CEO of AgeWave, says that the workplace is a breeding ground for learning about new technologies. Most companies at least have their employees working on a computer, but many other devices are integrated into work, causing the older working generation to have to learn the basics of these from their colleagues.

What happens, however, when you are trying to get a job in an industry that is already heavily immersed in technology and you can’t just learn it on the spot from your co-workers? Keep learning. You might not be the youngest option for the job, but if you know what you are doing and can show it, that won’t matter. Certifications in various topics are a great way to prove to potential employers you know what you’re talking about. Making an effort before and after getting a job will make you feel more at ease with the latest IT. Technology is always changing; it isn’t something you can learn once and be a pro at for the rest of your life.

Learning the basics of how technology works will help you become a little more tech savvy and confident in your position at work. If you are embarrassed to ask for help, there are tons of online resources and books which help teach the technologically challenged how to maneuver around their devices. Many of these classes are free and taught by people who are also older and once struggled with their online presence. These classes are vital to making you feel more comfortable online.

The best way to learn, however, is through colleagues and other like-minded individuals. They were most likely in the same shoes at one point and they will know the best way to explain it to you. Like Dytchwald said, the workplace is a breeding ground for learning, so make the most of that and pick each other’s brains. Chances are someone knows the answer to what you are asking, and if they don’t, you have someone else to help in your search for the answer. IT departments are even making it easier for the older generations, and everyone else, to get ahead by using converged systems as part of their routines.

Technology is a huge part of our everyday lives and won’t be going away anytime soon. The older generation doesn’t have to like that, but they will have to accept it at some point. Whether you are going online to stay in touch with your family or for a new job, knowing the basics and continuing to learn, both from courses and colleagues, will help in your endeavors.

by Rick DelGado, Independent Author

“I’ve been blessed to have a successful career and have recently taken a step back to pursue my passion of writing. I’ve started doing freelance writing and I love to write about new technologies and how it can help us and our planet.” – Rick DelGado