Unless you're really handy and live really close, better buy her a service warranty for that first inevitable crash that she comes across.  I found trying to guide my Dad through it over the phone was, um, er, well... not good for a harmonious father/son relationship....

Well the days when I wanted to SMASH my computer unfortunately not so far away...just this afternoon I wanted to hurl it out the window!  My computer is cranky and likes to make me cranky which leads...well you get the picture!   I often do system restore to return my computer to it's generally well behaved self and "restore" my happiness!

It's great that your mother is learning about her computer from you!

Computers are certainly great tools, and I can't imagine now living without one. But my 78 yr old mother on the other hand has absolutely no interest and never will! And that's ok.

I can't imagine life without my computer but will readily admit I don't know everything about it. Luckily my husband knows more than I do so I have an in-house resource!

Christina:

This is not only about computers. It is about every day in your life. I am amazed that I learn something new every day; through newspapers, television, Internet, my kids, other people. I learn every day from all of you wonderful bloggers. You are never too old to learn.

Isaac Bensussen-www.besthomesinlajolla.com 

Christina, Thats great.  I meet a lot of seniors who are afraid to even give it a try.  The fact that she is willing is a huge step.  But I know folks that are scared to use the digital gas pumps also and the ATM machinces.  Tech just scares some people. Best of luck to the two of you.

Christina,

The senior realtors that chose not to use the computer better hang up their real estate boots.

That is right Christina. My husband and I just got his mother a new computer and she calls me all the time for help. She is ready to smash it on the ground. I try to help her over the phone (she is in PA and I am in VA) but it is not easy to do over the phone. I keep telling her to stop being afraid to push buttons, but I think she is still afraid she'll break something.  I am going to send her your blog. I hope she can figure out how to open it

Christina,

I think I might have luck showing my dad a computer but he would not do anything online except to read news.  He refuse to do any email, online banking (even just to check transactions), etc.  His checkbook register is his up-to-date record!  Imagine us having all of our tech gadgets removed...

My lab chewed most of my keys off:)  Still works!

It's A Good Life!

Fran

Isaac ~ You are so right! You learn something new everyday. "I find myself saying that a lot".

Sally~ Too funny.  "Have you tried explaining over the phone, how to minimize a page"?  arggghh

Thanks Deb.

Good post, this is funny.  I myself never plan to get too old to dance, smile, have fun and of course work on my pc.

Christina I went through this a few years back and I still can't get her to do more than read email and play solitaire on it, lol.

Christina, It is really hard for the older generation to keep up with new technology but I did the same thing about 8 years ago. My mother was 72 at the time and my dad 78. They got their computer, signed up for an internet provider and even took senior computer classes. Now my mom is telling me about things I never knew she would be researching online. Sadly, my dad had a stroke about 5 years ago and is disabled (he no longer drives and his speech is slurred). However, his mind is sharp and he plays computer games which seem to be therapeutic and they love getting photos sent of their great-grandaughter and emails from all the grandchildren. They may be shut-ins with no family around but they seem to benefit from being connected.  

Awesome outlook Rosemary!

Linda ~ If she can do e-mails that is a big accomplishment!  Way to go   ; )

That is awesome Carol! Thanks for the idea. I'm sending her to class!!! ; )

Thanks everyone for sharing your comments and experiences on this subject... Too funny and close to reality.

Christina, Good for your mom for trying and doing so well.  I've tried to encourage my in-laws to try and experience the computer but no such luck.  They have no interest, and that's OK. 

Cute post. I ran across it when I was making sure my posts didn't disappear when I accidently unjoined.  By the way have you picked winners for the contest?