IF MY FATHER WAS TO BE ALIVE TODAY, I WOULD HAVE TAUGHT HIM TECH - EVEN IF HE WAS A 100 YEARS OLD - NIGERIAN BLOGGER (NWASIR AGUWA).

 

If My Father Was To Be Alive Today, I Would Have Taught Him Tech — Even If He Was A

100 Years Old

Introduction: Love, Legacy, and the Language of Technology

Fathers leave behind more than just a name. They leave behind values, stories, and wisdom that often outlive them. My father was no exception. Though he did not live to see the digital revolution fully unfold, his fingerprints remain on my life — in the lessons he taught me, the discipline he instilled, and the hope he nurtured.

Sometimes I find myself imagining: What if my father were alive today? What if he had reached the remarkable age of 100? Would he be able to send a text message, make a video call, or understand what “Google it” means? Would he laugh at the thought of robots answering questions, or would he embrace it with curiosity?

I know exactly what I would do. If my father were alive today — even at 100 years old — I would teach him technology. Not because he needed to join TikTok trends or become a YouTuber, but because technology is life now. It is the new alphabet, the new economy, the new way of connecting with family and the world.

And if I could teach him, I would prove that it is never too late to learn, never too late to evolve, and never too late to live fully in the present moment.

Remembering My Father: A Man of His Time

My father was a man of his generation. He lived in a time when respect was earned not by the size of your online following but by the integrity of your words. He built relationships through face-to-face conversations, handshakes, and storytelling under the moonlight. He measured success not by digital likes but by how well a man could care for his family.

He worked hard, and he lived simply. Yet, beneath that simplicity was wisdom — the kind that no algorithm can generate. My father didn’t know about smartphones, the internet, or artificial intelligence, but he knew about patience, responsibility, honesty, and resilience. Those are the foundations upon which any generation — digital or not — must stand.

If he were alive today, those values would still be relevant. But the tools of the world have changed. The plough has become the laptop; the market square has become social media; the pen has become the smartphone. To live fully today, one must understand the digital language. That is why, even at 100, I would sit beside him, phone or laptop in hand, and teach him tech step by step.

Bridging Two Generations: Why Teach Tech to the Elderly?

Many people assume technology is only for the young — for children who grow up swiping tablets before they can even speak, or for millennials who live online. But that is a mistake. Technology belongs to everyone, not just one generation.

In fact, teaching tech to seniors is one of the most powerful acts of love. Why?

1. Connection – With tech, the elderly can stay connected with children, grandchildren, and friends across the world. Loneliness reduces when they can video call and see familiar faces.

2. Independence – Technology gives them tools to manage their health, finances, and daily lives without depending entirely on others.

3. Mental Growth – Learning new skills keeps the brain sharp and active, no matter the age.

4. Relevance – Nobody wants to feel left behind. Tech gives seniors a sense that they are part of today’s world, not forgotten in yesterday’s.

So, if my father were alive, I would teach him not because he “needed” it but because it would allow him to connect, grow, and remain relevant in a fast-changing world.

If He Were Alive at 100: The Tech I Would Teach Him

1. Smartphones and Communication

The first thing I would place in his hands would be a smartphone. Not the latest fancy one, but something simple and user-friendly. I would show him how to swipe, tap, and open apps.

The joy on his face when he makes his first video call to family abroad would be priceless. He would marvel at how he could hear my voice and see my face in real-time, without waiting weeks for a letter. That alone would convince him of the power of technology.

2. Social Media: Staying Connected Without Borders

Next, I would introduce him to social media — not for clout or fame, but for connection. Imagine him scrolling through family photos on WhatsApp or Facebook, seeing updates of grandchildren’s graduations, birthdays, or weddings.

He would smile as he sends his first emoji, perhaps confusing the laughing face for crying at first, but quickly learning. In that moment, he would realize that social media is not just for the young — it is the new family album.

3. Digital Finance: Banking Without Queues

My father came from a time when banking meant standing in long lines with paperwork in hand. If he were alive now, I would show him mobile banking and digital wallets.

At 100, he might not care about cryptocurrencies, but he would appreciate sending money to family without leaving his chair. He would be amazed at tapping his phone to pay for groceries or checking his account balance instantly. That kind of independence would make him feel powerful, even in old age.

4. Healthcare Apps and Telemedicine

The elderly need healthcare more than anything. I would show him apps that track blood pressure, heart rate, or sugar levels. I would help him set up telemedicine services, so he could consult doctors without leaving home.

Imagine how much peace of mind that would bring: no more exhausting hospital trips for simple checkups, no more fear of emergencies without quick help. Tech, in this sense, would not just connect him — it would protect him.

5. AI and ChatGPT: A Digital Companion

Finally, I would introduce him to artificial intelligence — yes, even ChatGPT. I would explain: “Father, this is like having a wise assistant who can answer your questions anytime.”

If he wanted to know the weather, he could ask. If he wanted to hear a story, ChatGPT could tell him. If he wanted to recall history, the AI could provide context. Of course, nothing replaces human company, but AI could serve as a digital companion, keeping his mind engaged and curious.

The Lessons He Would Teach Back

It wouldn’t just be me teaching him. My father, even at 100, would still have lessons to give me — lessons no app can teach.

He would remind me that patience is more important than speed — something tech culture often forgets. He would show me that face-to-face conversations, though rare now, still hold unmatched power. He would remind me that no matter how advanced we become, respect, love, and integrity remain the true codes of life.

In teaching him tech, he would also be teaching me balance: the ability to embrace innovation without abandoning human values.

The Challenges of Teaching Seniors Tech

Of course, it would not be easy. Teaching a 100-year-old to use tech comes with challenges.

• Fear of breaking it – Seniors often think pressing the wrong button will “destroy” the device.

• Memory lapses – Learning may take longer, requiring patience and repetition.

• Resistance – Some may say, “This is not for my age.” Convincing them takes love and persistence.

• Accessibility – Devices must be tailored for seniors: larger fonts, simple layouts, and easy navigation.

But none of these challenges are greater than the reward of seeing a loved one empowered. With patience, repetition, and encouragement, even a 100-year-old can learn.

Why Age Shouldn’t Stop Learning: Inspiring Stories

Many people don’t realize that seniors across the world are learning tech today.

• A 94-year-old woman in Japan created an iPhone game that went viral.

• A grandmother in Italy learned to use TikTok during the pandemic and gained thousands of followers for her cooking videos.

• In Nigeria, elders are now joining WhatsApp groups to stay in touch with family abroad.

• A 100-year-old man in the U.S. recently learned to Zoom so he could attend his great-granddaughter’s graduation online.

These stories prove that age is not a barrier — it is only a mindset. If they can do it, my father could too.

The Legacy of Knowledge: Bridging Generations

Teaching my father tech would not only benefit him; it would also bridge generations. Imagine the grandchildren teaching him how to take selfies, while he teaches them how to farm, cook, or live with humility.

This is the beauty of life: every generation has something to give, and something to receive. Technology should not separate us — it should unite us. The elderly bring wisdom, while the young bring innovation. Together, they create balance.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

If my father were alive today, I would teach him technology — not because he needed to chase trends, but because he deserved to remain connected, independent, and relevant, even at 100.

Technology is not just for the young. It is for everyone who wants to live fully in the present. If you still have parents or grandparents alive, don’t assume they are “too old” for tech. Teach them. Show them how to make a video call, send a message, or check the news online.

You will not only give them new skills — you will give them new life. And in return, they will give you timeless wisdom that no app can replace.

Because at the end of the day, technology may change the tools of life, but the values of love, family, and legacy remain eternal.