When I opened up the email, this is the picture I saw!

Imagine my surprise when I found that as a senior, I am in need of medical alert devices (send the ambulance-I'm having a heart attack), special earbuds to amplify speech since I must be losing my hearing (what did you say?), and monitoring systems so my family can keep track of me (I've fallen and I can't get up)!
I must also be losing my eyesight so I need big buttons, and please keep it simple because I can no longer understand complex systems.
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Can you believe that this is called GrandPad? Obviously, this senior doesn't do much with technology. |
I was pretty amazed that these ads thought so little of the capabilities of seniors. Do I think these products are bad? Certainly not! There may come a time when I may need some, if not all, of these items. However, the seniors who are starting to age to the point where these are necessary are not going to be looking at these ads on their computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones, or even email anyway. And then it dawned on me: these ads are for the children of seniors!!!
The marketing content for the GrandPad is what really clued me in:

This is when I was really insulted! It is hard to care for aging parents. I know! I've been there. I resent this company for promoting ageism and the belief that seniors are not technologically inclined. I think it's wrong for them to incite and play on the fears of adult children who care about and for their parents. It's time for some understanding of what it's like to grow older!
We should be sending the message to seniors that technology is for everyone and that there are many options available for them to choose from depending on their comfort, interests, and needs. I believe in our ability as seniors to learn new things and embrace new ideas. So, I'm hoping to see more hopeful, positive ads about new smart phones, streaming services, and computers/laptops/tablets with learning opportunities available. It would be great to see ads that offer multi-generational learning opportunities using cutting-edge technology. I choose to see possibilities not deterrents to seniors embracing and staying involved in technology, because technology is a joyful tool for staying engaged! I hope advertisers can become more forward-thinking in their quest for the senior dollar and that we all can examine any ads we see with informed eyes to reject ageism. I certainly will!
Have you found your Tech Joy today?
#BlaugustReborn
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