Let's be honest.

If your phone stopped ringing or your iPad froze on a popup, you wouldn't call an ambulance.

But if you're over 65, and your only link to the outside world is that frozen screen?

Yeah—it can feel like an emergency.

And yet, most people laugh it off.

"You'll figure it out."
"Just ask your kids."
Or my favorite:
"You're overthinking it."

Let me tell you something.

They're the ones underthinking it.

This Work Isn't Just Tech—It's Care

I help older adults in New York City with their tech.

Not online.
Not from a call center.
In person.
One-on-one.

I show up with my bike and a backpack and walk into real apartments—prewar buildings, walkups, co-ops. I sit at kitchen tables and help people figure out what went wrong, whether it's their email, Wi-Fi, printer, or phone.

And here's the part most people don't see:

It's not just about the device.
It's about dignity.
About control.
About not feeling stupid in your own home.

Think About Healthcare

When your joints hurt, you go see someone.
You don't blame yourself for getting older.

But with tech?

Seniors are expected to figure it all out with no training, no guidance, and zero empathy.

That's not right.

I've worked with lawyers, teachers, activists, caretakers—people who make New York City move. Now they're told they're "bad with tech" because they didn't grow up with smartphones?

Come on.

They just didn't have someone patient enough to walk them through it.

There's No Insurance Plan for Tech Stress

No co-pay for "forgotten password syndrome."
No hotline for "My screen just went black, and I swear I didn't touch anything."

So they sit with it.
Sometimes for days.
Afraid to ask for help.
Afraid to feel embarrassed.

But tech touches everything now:

Doctors' appointments
Banking
Messaging family
Checking the news
Even listening to music

And when it breaks down?
They're not just losing features.
They're losing freedom.

What I See Every Day

I've been invited into homes where the tension is thick because someone accidentally clicked a scam link.

I've watched people go from red-faced frustration to laughing out loud in 15 minutes once they realize it wasn't their fault.

I've seen eyes light up when they finally get their Bluetooth speaker to work or access old photos they thought were lost.

It's not magic.
It's time, patience, and presence.

That's the kind of support people remember.
Not because it was high-tech.
But because someone cared enough to show up.

Want to Help? Start Here.

If you're reading this and thinking, "This sounds like my mom, or this could be me someday," good.

Let's do something about it.

1. Normalize Asking for Tech Help

We praise people for going to therapy, going to the gym, going to the doctor.
Let's do the same when someone says, "I need help with this app."

2. Think of Tech Checkups Like Medical Ones

Don't wait until there's a full-blown tech meltdown.
A regular session—even once a month—can make life smoother and less stressful.

3. Stop Calling It 'Simple' If You Can't Explain It Without Google

If you can't break it down clearly without jargon, it's not simple.

So What Can You Do?

Tech is now part of healthcare.
Of well-being.
Of connection and communication.

And if we don't start treating it that way—
Older adults will keep getting left behind.

That's why I built Boomernology.

Not for quick fixes.
Not for smart home setups.

But for human connection through patient tech support.

If this resonates with you, share it with someone who needs it.
And if you've had a tech win, frustration, or breakthrough—send me a message or leave a comment.

I'd love to hear from you.

Because no one should have to face modern tech alone.

Until next time, stay connected!

Dave

Why Tech Support Should Be Treated Like Healthcare for Seniors