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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think my 88-year-old granny could operate a tablet?

68 replies

Iffy2014 · 05/10/2014 07:29

It's my granny's 88th birthday this month. As I've just received a tax rebate and a bonus, I'd like to spend the extra money on a really lovely gift for her.

The idea behind a tablet: you'd never know my gran's age if you met her. She's very active, both in body and mind, and isn't one to shy away from something because, "I'm old".

She's never had a computer/any kind of very contemporary technology before. But, she is desperate to LEARN about how to use technology, i.e. she will have a go on family's smart phones/Kindles/iPads. She's seen things like Skype and Facebook, and is fascinated, because most of my cousins live far away now, and she's amazed that the rest of us can talk to them so easily using these things.

She's talked for a little while about getting herself a laptop, but I think a tablet would likely be a lot easier for her. I think she would mostly use it for social networking/Skype/reading the newspaper/shopping and watching catch-up TV.

To clarify, most of the extended family live on one street (small town), so I am very much on hand to give gran the help she will need to get started on it, and can be "on call" for any technology issues!

Personally, I think she will enjoy the fact that she is still "keeping up" with the rest of the world. What do you think? AIBU and crazy to think she could manage a tablet at her age, or should I stick with jewellery as a gift?

OP posts:
Delphiniumsblue · 05/10/2014 07:32

If she wants to manage it she will manage it- go for it! I can't see why you wouldn't if you are in hand to deal with problems.
If a 3 yr old can use it then so can an 88 yr old!

LindyHemming · 05/10/2014 07:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AuntieStella · 05/10/2014 07:33

88 year olds aren't a different species. This is you in the future.

Buy her a present you think she'll like.

TakesTwoToTango · 05/10/2014 07:35

My 90yr old one does. Facetimes her great grandchildren Grin Go for it!

Waswondering · 05/10/2014 07:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RubySparks · 05/10/2014 07:35

Definitely, I work with older people and getting them confident with technology including iPads and other tablets (iPad is easier to be honest).

We have people in their 80s and 90s using them for the first time. Hugely important for some people to keep their independence e.g online grocery shopping for housebound people.

Original poster
Iffy2014 · 05/10/2014 07:35

This was my thinking, Delphiniums.

My nephew could operate a tablet at two, so I figure gran will pick up the skills as she goes along. Thanks!

OP posts:
Shemaybelittle · 05/10/2014 07:36

Go go it, she sounds amazing! We bought my Grandma a kindle at the age of 80 and she loves it, like you said you are nearby to help and she has mentioned her desire to learn before, I think she will get far more pleasure out of a tablet than some jewellery tbh.

needsacuppanow · 05/10/2014 07:36

Go for it, it sounds as though she would love it. If my 4 year old can use one, I'm sure that your granny would manage!

Waswondering · 05/10/2014 07:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

IMurderedStampyLongnose · 05/10/2014 07:36

My 81yo gran uses a laptop,and is giving off stink about it,she wants a tablet instead.YADNBU.Get her it,she'll love it.

Original poster
Iffy2014 · 05/10/2014 07:38

Skype/Facetime would be a big bonus too. She's about to be a great-grandmother for the first time in December, but the baby will be far away (she can't travel much, as doesn't like to leave my grandad). I think it would be nice for her and my cousin for her to be able to see the baby a bit more easily.

OP posts:
Original poster
Iffy2014 · 05/10/2014 07:39

Didn't think about the iPad magazine, that's a great tip! Thanks!

OP posts:
BusyCee · 05/10/2014 07:40

We bought one for my grandmothers 90th birthday, and she loves it! We did get a pen for her to use with it though, as it took her a while to get the 'touch' quite right x

ThinkIveBeenHacked · 05/10/2014 07:42

The Apple shop also does free pop in classes on how to use your tablet so you could include a note of dates and times of these classes (or take her along to one).

TheFowlAndThePussycat · 05/10/2014 07:42

DH's 85 year old grandad has one, he skypes and emails with it mostly. He got his first computer (of any sort) for his 80th birthday.

Original poster
Iffy2014 · 05/10/2014 07:43

Thanks for your POV, RubySparks. I firmly believe that it will keep her mind more active/feeling young for the present, especially as my grandad declines in his health, and she becomes more and more independent of him.

OP posts:
Feelingworriednow · 05/10/2014 07:50

My technophobe 76yo Mum adores her ipad. She still presses the screen as if they are actual buttons but uses it to keep in touch with her friends near and far. Go for it!

supermariossister · 05/10/2014 07:55

my grandparents both have a tablet and love using them in fact they use them more than I use mine! my grandad checks the weather,reads kindle and watches iPlayer my nan mostly plays games and "looks on the facebook" Grin. she loves seeing what everyone has been up too and pictures of her other grandchildren who lives far away. I am only round the corner so go round and help when there is a problem but it's only happened once. go for it! sounds like a lovely present

colleysmill · 05/10/2014 08:00

I think the age bit isn't the issue really, it's how she is cognitively and individually.

My gran is considerably younger but has quite severe dementia and can't operate a landline phone or a CD player anymore so it would be pointless for her whereas your gran sounds totally different.

Can you take one to her and let her have a go?

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 05/10/2014 08:03

I'd go for an iPad as they're simpler to operate. I have a hudl and it's so irritating,I just wouldn't bother. My grandfather used a computer right up until he died at 92.

Delphiniumsblue · 05/10/2014 08:03

Age is never an issue, attitude is the issue. ( unless health or dementia make it impossible)

Only1scoop · 05/10/2014 08:05

Lovely idea my dp's godmother has one she is 84.

fusspot66 · 05/10/2014 08:06

Just fussing but she'll need wifi or a contract for 3G/4G.
I take my wifi so much for granted I am often surprised when my smartphone barely works in someone elses house!

LynetteScavo · 05/10/2014 08:07

If a 4yo can use a tablet, I'm sure an 88yo can.