Three Things I Learned About Tech From My 94-year-old Aunt

11/13/23—Last week, I traveled to South Carolina to attend the funeral for my 94-year-old aunt. I frequently write about Gen Z and their changing communication patterns. Today, I want to share three things Aunt Marion taught me about the power of technology for the oldest generation.

1️⃣ You're never too old to get started.

My Aunt Marion didn't get her first mobile phone until she was around 90 years old. She quickly learned how to text, and I loved receiving her letter-style messages, usually starting “dear Debra” - with way too many returns, spaces and odd capitalizations along the way - and ending with “Love, Aunt Marion.”

2️⃣ Talking is great, but video is even better.

Marion loved to talk to family and friends on her mobile phone, but she also learned how to use Zoom during the pandemic. We had several memorable video meetings over the past few years where my aunt (after some fumbling) saw and talked with family members from around the country.

3️⃣ Technology brings down barriers to learning.

My aunt always loved hearing me talk about my work as an analyst researching social media. She never used any social apps herself, but she was always curious about what they were and why people used them. Once, when my cousin Peter was visiting her, he showed her a clip from a TV interview where I talked about TikTok. She texted me shortly afterward to tell me she was happy she had learned something about “Tictac.”

"Technology can be Amazing," she texted me one day.

Yes it can, Aunt Marion. Yes it can. ❤️