I asked this question and hence let me also add here... This question was basically for my in-laws as they need a way to connect through video chat, watch pictures shared etc.
I agree with chromaniac when he quotes his experience of teaching people in their 60's to use a windows system.
I have a similar experience with my parents. There is just so much stuff in windows that it can overwhelm an elderly person. It encourages elderly people to not use it.
For the few people in their 60's who are curious/brave there is a bigger problem. They just have too many doubts and queries most of which are not relevant to them at all.I am willing to spend some time helping and guiding them to learn and experience things better. Not spend time to keep them away from irrelevant things. It makes great sense if a product itself can keep them away from unnecessary stuff and let them enjoy the experience of using technology better.
When I am video chatting with my parents I would rather look into the cam, smile , see them smile and talk freely for the full length of time rather than worry about the popup window on the left and the notifications from the firewall/antivirus. If you are using a windows system, typically (atleast for the first few times) you will spend 90% of your 'parents time' on getting everything to work together.
Just my two cents
I agree with chromaniac when he quotes his experience of teaching people in their 60's to use a windows system.
I have a similar experience with my parents. There is just so much stuff in windows that it can overwhelm an elderly person. It encourages elderly people to not use it.
For the few people in their 60's who are curious/brave there is a bigger problem. They just have too many doubts and queries most of which are not relevant to them at all.I am willing to spend some time helping and guiding them to learn and experience things better. Not spend time to keep them away from irrelevant things. It makes great sense if a product itself can keep them away from unnecessary stuff and let them enjoy the experience of using technology better.
When I am video chatting with my parents I would rather look into the cam, smile , see them smile and talk freely for the full length of time rather than worry about the popup window on the left and the notifications from the firewall/antivirus. If you are using a windows system, typically (atleast for the first few times) you will spend 90% of your 'parents time' on getting everything to work together.
Just my two cents
