How to Overcome Technology Fear After 50
- Frannie B
- May 3
- 3 min read
(Why I Refuse to Let My World Narrow Down to a Paper List)
I love technology, and I love learning new things. I like being challenged and staying up to date.
But I also know quite a few people who are nervous of technology and still stuck in the nineties. They prefer handwritten lists instead of saving notes on their phones. More often than not, those lists get misplaced, never to appear again. Even something like creating a new beneficiary on a banking app feels intimidating.
I think many people feel safe with what they know - with what is tangible. And I do understand the comfort of paper. But I also think it can quietly become a sign that their world is getting smaller… without them even realising it.
Many years ago, in 1985, when I was 20 years old, I started my first job as a Girl Friday at a firm of chartered accountants. A few weeks before that, I had completed my only computer training — a one-week WordStar course. My knowledge on the subject was limited to that training.
On my first day, my boss showed me around the office. When we reached the bulky computer at reception, he said: “We bought this desktop computer for you - none of us knows how it works. You will need to figure it out yourself.” And in that moment, something clicked. I realised this was how my working life was going to be - I would have to figure things out as I went along.
I can’t remember too much of those early days, but I did figure it out and I loved knowing things that nobody else knew. Over time, the trainee accountants each had their own desktops. They worked with floppy disks, which had to be formatted on my desktop before they could be used. One day, one of the trainees made a mistake - and instead of formatting her disk, she formatted my entire hard drive. I was devastated.
But more than that, it was a hard lesson. I had no backups. I spent the next couple of weekends working to recover everything. I even slept at the office once or twice just to catch up. I have never made that mistake again.
Looking back, I think experiences like that are exactly what made me enjoy learning new things instead of avoiding them.
A few months ago, I had to learn how Wix, Canva, and Pinterest work for my blog. It was not easy. It was frustrating at times. But I kept going - and I figured it out. And that is the thing about technology. It is not always easy. But it is worth it. Because in the world we live in today, tech is not just a “nice to have.” It is freedom. It is independence.
The less you know, the more dependent you become.
I see it often, especially in places like banks - where older people look unsure and overwhelmed. And I always think… it does not have to be that way.
You do not have to learn everything overnight. Just start. Take a short course. Ask a friend. Sit with a family member and let them show you. Most people are far more patient than you expect. And more importantly - give yourself permission to get it wrong.
If you are not sure where to start, I came across a simple guide with practical digital skills for everyday life - it is actually quite helpful. https://verticalinstitute.com/blog/new-skills-for-seniors-to-learn/
Learning something new keeps your brain sharp. It keeps your world open.
I would rather make a mistake today than never try at all.
💌 Before You Go
Looking for a beautiful birthday wish, friendship greeting, or uplifting message to share with someone special?
Visit Frannie's Greeting Corner for a growing collection of heartfelt greeting cards designed to encourage, celebrate, and brighten someone's day.
Do you have a “1985 computer moment”—or even a small tech win recently? Even something simple like sending your first WhatsApp photo counts😊. I would love to hear about it in the comments.
— Frannie ☕
Ready for your first small tech win?
3 Simple Tech Wins to Try This Week
Win #1: Digitise Your Most Important Paper List Take your grocery or “To Do” list and put it into your phone’s Notes app. No more “I left the list at home” moments!
Win #2: Use the Voice-to-Text Button Tap the small microphone icon on your keyboard to speak your message instead of typing. It’s quicker and easier than you think.
Win #3: Add a Favourite Site to Your Home Screen Use “Add to Home Screen” on your phone to create a one-tap shortcut to a site you use often.
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