‘Older and Wiser’ iPad Book Aimed at Seniors — But Why?

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Photo by jcfrog - http://flic.kr/p/89CjyX
Photo by jcfrog - http://flic.kr/p/89CjyX

Too often, the image of older people and technology comes with seniors using bowling with the Wii, fumbling with web cams or being ripped off by Facebook scams. A new book about learning the iPad appears to feed into that misconception: use small words and speak very, very slowly.


“While the iPad is easy to use, it’s not always immediately obvious how to operate it, so my book helps readers to learn the gestures and the secrets of the built-in apps, so they can get the best from their device,” says Sean McManus, author of “iPad for the Older and Wiser.”

McManus, who has written “Microsoft Office for the Older and Wiser” and “Social Networking for the Older and Wiser” includes plenty of pictures and what is described as a “Brain Training” quiz in each chapter. Can anyone say “condescending”?

How does this differ from any other ‘For Idiots’ book? Doesn’t every iPad owner want to learn the “secrets” of the iPad? The only difference, younger users might be more quick to turn to the internet to search for answers, while older tablet owners find a book a better reference.

I’m not sure who is buying these tech books aimed at older people, except for the children or grandchildren thinking mom or grandma need a simple guide. I always tell my kids that it was my generation that invented the computer. Now if they’d just come up with a book that explained rap music.

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