Technology and the Boomer

It seems that the majority of the Boomers interviewed have found that technology does not hold that much importance. Most have had only a little computer experience: nothing beyond the bare basics of web browsing, email, and maybe some instant messaging with younger family. The greatest impact technology has on the life of the Boomer is one that many do not readily interact with, unless they are in the hospital. The improvements in medical technology has led to the ushering in of the Sandwich Generation, when parents are still alive and the babies of the Boomers are getting older and having children of their own.

Cell phones, though, are widely used in this illustrious group. It is a convenient form of communication. During the interview with Phyllis, her cell phone rang with a call from her "nephew." He is not really her nephew. He is a young man that she and her mother took into their home when he was a toddler. They raised him in their home as their own and he still calls her "Aunt Dink." When the phone call concluded, Phyllis said that was the only use she had for any kind of computer technology. She currently utilizes the computer at work but does not desire to have one, at home. However, she does enjoy being able to keep in contact with her friends and family using the cellular phone.

---