About a year ago, my father came up to my mother and me during breakfast, saying he wanted to upgrade his very old Nokia phone to a smartphone. Our reactions to this confession weren’t kind. My father—who was 61—had almost zero experience with technology at the time. Also, my parents are both from Minsk, Belarus, so English is a second language for them. Going from an old Nokia phone to something that many consider to be a pocket computer was a big leap. I hate to admit that although I’m in the business of introducing new technology to everyone, when my father asked for my help I told him he was too old to be diving into technology.

My father did not let my comment deter him. Eventually my mother and I gave in and I went with my dad to Sprint and set him up with a new smartphone. Of course he picked an Android phone—which I personally believe can be harder to navigate than an iPhone—but that didn’t stop my father. In fact getting a smartphone only made him want to dive further into technology.

A few weeks after getting his phone, he asked me to download World of Tanks. World of Tanks is a massive multiplayer online game. These types of games are played by hardcore gamers who invest a lot of time and money. My first reaction was “no way am I downloading this for you!” but my father once again was very persistent. I ended up giving him my old computer and set the game up for him.

Initially, my daily routine was filled with numerous inquiries about navigating computer tasks. However, with time, the guidance I provided began to resonate, or at the very least, he made it a habit to jot down notes from our sessions, reducing his need to seek my assistance. He has now reached a stage where he seldom asks for my help, dedicating his time to either gaming or enhancing his knowledge through YouTube tutorials. Whenever he encounters any discrepancies in his game, he independently navigates to the game’s website to lodge complaints, showcasing his self-sufficiency.

This experience with my father, who is now 62, underscores a vital truth: there is no age limit to embracing technology. His journey highlights the importance of being open to learning and integrating new technological advancements into our lives, regardless of our age. If presented with the chance to acquire new skills or transition a traditional activity online, embracing the challenge can lead to significant personal growth. Though it may require frequent assistance in the early stages, perseverance and a willingness to learn can eventually lead to autonomy in utilizing technology. This process not only enhances personal capabilities but also ensures that one remains adaptable and engaged in an ever-evolving digital world.