Too old for an iPod?
in [UK Mac]
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From: Geoff Berrow on 8 Mar 2010 07:44 On Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:56:39 +0000, T i m <news(a)spaced.me.uk> wrote: >I'm no good with people so can anyone give me any idea what's likely >to be going on here please (especially as some of you are old and some >are wise <g>)? (Assuming that this cassette recording process is for >him) is it that because it wasn't his idea he doesn't want to play >with the iPod (he can be stubborn sometimes, especially if he doesn't >fully understand things), or 'his way' is just easier for him (if you >count having to store / track numerous cassettes 'easier' etc). My mum is 86 and unlike your dad, is very confused about things. So I have the worst case scenario. I manage things by keeping them as simple as possible. She manages by having routines and relying on stuff she has known for years. Older people struggle with short term memory stuff. Modern technology is great for us; we can see the benefits and make the effort to learn. It's a lot harder for older people. Your dad knows cassettes inside out, he's used them for years so although it would be a PITA for you and me, he won't see it that way. He doesn't have to juggle fiddly devices, chargers and leads and make the conceptual leap that this small device represents 20 albums. Bottom line is, go with whatever makes him happy and enjoy the fact that you still have a dad. -- Geoff Berrow (Put thecat out to email) It's only Usenet, no one dies. My opinions, not the committee's, mine. Simple RFDs www.4theweb.co.uk/rfdmaker
From: T i m on 8 Mar 2010 08:55 On Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:23:35 +0000, usenet(a)alienrat.co.uk (Woody) wrote: >T i m <news(a)spaced.me.uk> wrote: > >> So, just now I get a phone call from him saying he'd got (or just >> bought) a Bush CD and cassette thingy, that he was trying to record a >> CD to cassette and there were six buttons on it with no markings as to >> what they did. He also suggested there was no mention of them in the >> manual? > >Yes, I get things like that from my mum until I point at the manual and >say 'how about this bit here then'? Yeah, I suspect that would be the same in this case. > >> He read them out to me ... "Two vertical bars, a square, two triangles >> facing the left ... " etc etc. I explained that 'those were universal >> symbols found on pretty well all music / video players and if he wants >> to be reminded of their function then any suitable manual will >> describe them again ...'. He commented that even if that was the case >> it was remiss of them not to describe their function in case someone >> had never seen them before (like him apparently). > >I would be suprised if he hasn't seen them before, but either way, it >would be remiss of them not to describe their function. Agreed. > So unusual in >fact that I doubt it is the case. Yup. > I have never seen a manual for a tape >recorder that didn't describe their function. Nor me your first suspicion was probably correct. > >In fact, it is suprising he could use the CD, as unless it was unusual, >then it would contain a large number of the same symbols! Indeed, or not notice the iPod has similar symbols, as do the various remotes they manage to put in weird modes ... > >> So, unless he's bought some new CD's (he doesn't use Mums XP laptop >> and his iMac / OS9 won't talk to the iPod) or is doing this for >> someone else then it's so frustrating to me that he doesn't make use >> of the iPod. After all, with only 20 or so CD's he can probably have >> them all on there and there's no reason why Mum can't hold the thing >> and set it going in the car etc (is there)? > >None at all. Sounds like a certain amount of stubourness or >technophobia. Certainly the former and probably a large chunk of the latter. It's like he just wants what he wants (nothing wrong with that in principal of course) but the world has moved on etc. > Also, the iPod probably also contains the same symbols as >the cassette. Yep. > As will iTunes. He doesn't use that, or (FWIW) any 'computer' based multimedia stuff (in spite of me showing him on his iMac). (Which is a shame as his CRT iMac has rather good speakers). > And his video recorder if he has one Don't think so (now), nor a PVR or DVD player ASAIK. > and >umm.. any music thing made since the 60s I guess. Well, and he's got enough of them that's for sure. Little music centre things and portable CD players. > >> I'm no good with people so can anyone give me any idea what's likely >> to be going on here please (especially as some of you are old and some >> are wise <g>)? (Assuming that this cassette recording process is for >> him) is it that because it wasn't his idea he doesn't want to play >> with the iPod (he can be stubborn sometimes, especially if he doesn't >> fully understand things), or 'his way' is just easier for him (if you >> count having to store / track numerous cassettes 'easier' etc). > >some people don't like change? Yep and again, fair enough but when you do understand all the options, not taking up some of the newer options would make life all so easy. [1] > As well as that, some people have >conceptual difficulties with things they don't understand. Well I was hoping it wasn't that but I'm beginning to think ... > >Or maybe it is a case of 'i have always done it this way, why should I >change', ie, he doesn't see an advantage of changing. And why I was hoping I could help him see the light by 'lending' (I was actually giving him the stuff of course) this kit so he doesn't feel obligated to use it or worries about the cost / value etc. Like many people he would spend say 'silly money' on a book or some art but an iPod would be considered 'expensive'. > Sometimes when >describing things to people it helps if you can get them into a position >of seeing the advantage themselves, like it was their idea. Hmm, that's the mind games bit that I don't generally 'get' (luckily the Mrs does most the time and translates for me. Probably why she's really loving her new role as a 'Carer' in care home. So, I think I did try to be subtle ... sorta taking the iPod round and ripping his favourite stuff for him in blocks, when I was round there doing some other job or just popping in to say 'hi' etc. When I talk to him about it it seems like he's talking it in (memory allowing etc) and has listened to stuff on it when I've not been there (even getting Mum to phone me to ask how to turn it off etc) so I think we are close. *Maybe* it's bloody OS9 that's part of the problem again (and why he doesn't better appreciate 'The Net' better, many things not working as they should etc), if it would talk to the iPod maybe he'd enjoy ripping his own music and synching etc (he sorta likes procedural / organisational stuff, leftover from being at work (Ships Captain, > Works manager, British Standards consultant etc etc). Mum doesn't help either. I believe she just goes along with whatever he says and believes it. We (the family) have to put her right when he's not there but even then I don't think she actually tries to encourage or support him / us etc. Like we could show her how to use the iPod then she could offer to take it along in the car because *she* wants to listen to particular track or play it to one of their passengers. I may be able to get a bit more of the back-story from Mum when he's in bed or summat. Cheers, T i m [1] They stopped using the video because it was getting difficult for either of them to get down on the floor to use it (they wanted it on the stand under the telly and weren't up to using the remote for programming etc). I've told them so many times that the 'new version' of the video player (a PVR) is so much easier to use and they wouldn't ever need to go to it itself (no tapes etc). I would even be happy to take mine (Topfield) round to at least show them what they can do but they just say "no thanks, don't bother, we don't need to record things ...." or some such (but I know they or certainly Mum would). Then again, the number of times I've been round there and they are watching a horrible ghosting analogue picture because they have sat on the remote 'and don't know what they have pressed'. p.p.s. A week or so ago the Mrs, daughter , her b/f and I popped in to M&D for a spot of tea (she hadn't seen daughter and bf for a while). I went for Mums laptop and a batch of Dads CD's as I have been doing of late to rip a few more for the collection (and give me something interesting to do while I'm round there. I don't generally just do the social bit, it's generally an aside to me doing something more practical, like fixing summat etc). The laptop wasn't where it normally was so I asked Mum where it was. She replied summat along the lines of "Father would rather you didn't spend all your time on that ...." ?? Now that would have made sense if it was 1) it was his or 2) meant I didn't join in the conversation or 3) stopped him putting on Eggheads at 300W when it came on and while people were still talking! So I went over the PC shop to see my mate and didn't go back. Not (just <g>) because I was 'being funny' but because I was helping my mate and didn't particularly want to go back to where I couldn't be me (and / or happy 'playing') and mate needed my help. FWIW, the Mrs and kids also agreed he was 'out of order' (but the Mrs was a bit p'd off I didn't go back). I wonder if today's phone call from Dad was just a ruse to test the water with me?
From: T i m on 8 Mar 2010 09:11 On Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:44:48 +0000, Geoff Berrow <blthecat(a)ckdog.co.uk> wrote: >On Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:56:39 +0000, T i m <news(a)spaced.me.uk> wrote: > >>I'm no good with people so can anyone give me any idea what's likely >>to be going on here please (especially as some of you are old and some >>are wise <g>)? (Assuming that this cassette recording process is for >>him) is it that because it wasn't his idea he doesn't want to play >>with the iPod (he can be stubborn sometimes, especially if he doesn't >>fully understand things), or 'his way' is just easier for him (if you >>count having to store / track numerous cassettes 'easier' etc). > >My mum is 86 and unlike your dad, is very confused about things. Because I don't have a lot of dealings with them (they are still pretty independent and because I'm 'only round the corner' don't tend to go a visit *them* as such, just pop in when passing or when called to fix stuff. > So I >have the worst case scenario. The Mrs works with 35 dementia sufferers (half the care home) so I'm begriming to understand the range of how it affects people. The most recent 'guest' keeps escaping (even out the window) because she's trying to go *somewhere*. > >I manage things by keeping them as simple as possible. I've tried the 'when it all goes weird, turn it off and on again' but maybe I need to write it down and have pictures etc. > She manages by >having routines and relying on stuff she has known for years. Older >people struggle with short term memory stuff. Understood. > >Modern technology is great for us; we can see the benefits and make >the effort to learn. It's a lot harder for older people. Yet some seem able to cope ok? I'm not saying you are wring of course, just I think it's more than memory, ability or familiarity. > Your dad >knows cassettes inside out, (but not their controls it would seem) ;-) > he's used them for years so although it >would be a PITA for you and me, he won't see it that way. <sigh> Ok .. I guess you are right. > He doesn't >have to juggle fiddly devices, chargers and leads There is that I guess (although the iPod is pretty easy going that way). >and make the >conceptual leap that this small device represents 20 albums. But that's the thing. Say I go round there and rip and synch another 5 CD's, when I hand him back the iPod he seems willing / able to find / test the new material? He (as mentioned previously) even looked for a particular tack and found and played it so I know he *can* do it. > >Bottom line is, go with whatever makes him happy Well, let him go with whatever makes him happy you mean. I can't find anyone still selling VHS video players or gramophones (I'm joking but you know what I mean). >and enjoy the fact >that you still have a dad. Ah. Now that's a difficult one. I mean, we get on ok and believe we would do anything within our power to help each other, but 'enjoy each other', not sure that's ever been the case. Now my Uncle was a real friend and is still sorely missed and my Mum, well, a lad only has one Mum. Cheers, T i m
From: Woody on 8 Mar 2010 10:12 T i m <news(a)spaced.me.uk> wrote: > p.p.s. A week or so ago the Mrs, daughter , her b/f and I popped in to > M&D for a spot of tea (she hadn't seen daughter and bf for a while). I > went for Mums laptop and a batch of Dads CD's as I have been doing of > late to rip a few more for the collection (and give me something > interesting to do while I'm round there. I don't generally just do the > social bit, it's generally an aside to me doing something more > practical, like fixing summat etc). The laptop wasn't where it > normally was so I asked Mum where it was. She replied summat along the > lines of "Father would rather you didn't spend all your time on that > ..." ?? I get the oposite, I just have to fix things when I am round there! -- Woody
From: T i m on 8 Mar 2010 10:38
On Mon, 8 Mar 2010 15:12:37 +0000, usenet(a)alienrat.co.uk (Woody) wrote: >T i m <news(a)spaced.me.uk> wrote: > >> p.p.s. A week or so ago the Mrs, daughter , her b/f and I popped in to >> M&D for a spot of tea (she hadn't seen daughter and bf for a while). I >> went for Mums laptop and a batch of Dads CD's as I have been doing of >> late to rip a few more for the collection (and give me something >> interesting to do while I'm round there. I don't generally just do the >> social bit, it's generally an aside to me doing something more >> practical, like fixing summat etc). The laptop wasn't where it >> normally was so I asked Mum where it was. She replied summat along the >> lines of "Father would rather you didn't spend all your time on that >> ..." ?? > >I get the oposite, I just have to fix things when I am round there! What no tea and slice of home made diabetic cake? :-( Ok, by the time that gets served up (she's easily distracted) I could have done three times as many jobs ... and after 53 years of knowing me she still forgets I take sugar! Cheers, T i m |