I Got My First Computer at 62 Years Old

Like many older Americans, I did not know very much about computers. I am a very smart and educated person. I have a master’s degree. I have worked in many industries and for many companies. I have done data entry and word processing but that was the extent of my computer knowledge. I am a 66 year old female who got my first computer at 62 years old. And I am thrilled that I finally made the plunge. It has changed my life for the better. A whole new world has opened up for me.

My life has been difficult at times and challenging. There is not a lot of family or many friends. I have never achieved a lot of success or income. I was on a tight budget.

Around the age of 60, I began to think about getting a computer. And the more that I thought about one, the more that I wanted one.

I began to research computers. I had no idea how much there was to learn. In the beginning, the researching made me very tired, frustrated and even more confused. I would research computers for the next year and a half. One of the young co-workers at my company was amused and perplexed by how much time I spent researching computers. He could not understand how it could take me so long. But he was 20 something and he had grown up with computers. I was 60 something and computers were new to me, even a little frightening

In the end, I decided to buy an Apple MacBook. Why? First of all, there was an Apple Store close to me. A retail store! I could go in this store and look at the computer. I could touch it. I could play around with it. An employee was there to show me things. I could ask questions. And that person, always young, had the time and the patience to answer my questions, as well as offer advice and information. I did not go to the Apple Store one time before purchasing my computer. I went many times over a period of a year.

But probably one of the primary reasons that I chose an Apple was the incredible One to One Training Program. With a new computer from Apple, i was able to purchase what is known as One to One Training. For $99, I was able to get personalized training for an hour a week for an entire year. That cinched it.

A computer is a big investment and I was on a budget. I would buy a 13 inch MacBook. Before it was all said and done, I believe that i spent about $1,700 with taxes, warranty, accessories. and, of course, my One to One Training

And from here, the rest is history. I have now had my computer just a little over four years. There have been mostly hits with a few misses. I have learned so much that I can not remember all that I did not know

I could not have done any of this without my One to One Training. Almost all my trainers were young. Some were so young that they could have been my grandchildren, if I had any. Most of them seemed to like me and most were very competent and knowledgeable. There were a few exceptions when the creative, as they are known, was lacking and I did not get much out of my one to one. But that was the exception rather than the rule.

I had no expectations when I got my computer and began my training. Mainly, I wanted to learn how to surf the internet and send and receive emails. That was the simple stuff. My trainers had so much more to offer me.

I have a website! I don’t need one. I never expected to have one. I did not even want one but one of my trainers began to show me IWeb. And somehow I ended wanting a website and creating one. it’s not a great website. It needs work. Actually it needs an overhaul. It is a casual grassroots website and when I can find the time, I plan to make it a bit more professional while still retaining the casualness of it.

A couple of years back, I bought my very first digital camera. I consulted with my trainers at the Apple Store and on their advice went with a Cannon PowerShot. They taught me how to use it and how to upload pictures. I am not a great photographer so lucky for me, my camera is a great camera. Taking pictures is fun and it is great to see them on line. And I now have quite a photo library!

I joined sites like facebook and classmates hoping to find people from my past. About three years ago, I got a message from one of these sites telling me that I might know a particular person. I did not recognize her name but I sent her a message. She did not know me either but it turned out that we graduated the same year from the same high school. And from this chance meeting on line, I am going to be going to my 50th high school reunion next June in Boston. Over 100 other persons will be there. One is a really old friend whom I have not seen or heard from since 1987. And it all began when I signed up with classmates or facebook.

I have found other old friends or facebook or they have found me. In 2010, I went to visit one in Florida. This year, it was Colorado as well as Los Angeles. Next year, it will be Boston.

I am earning a little money online. I hope to be making a little more. I am being creative, having fun, making new friends, using my brain and even making money.

For older persons and seniors who still do not have a computer, I encourage you to get one if possible. If I can do it, so can you. Some retirement centers and senior citizen centers offer classes and training. I recommend Apple if you have an Apple Store near you. The One to One Training is invaluable.

A whole new world opened for me the day that I got my computer. My life is so much richer and more meaningful than before I got it.


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *