By Alison DeNisco | September 30, 2016, 1:40 PM PST
Jonathan Dariyanani has been studying the ways people learn for decades, and says older people actually have an advantage when learning new technologies. Here's why.
It's time for tech to stop the stereotyping: Older people are just as capable—if not more capable—of learning new tech skills as their younger colleagues, according to Jonathan Dariyanani, president of Cognotion, Inc., in a Friday session at IdeaFestival 2016.
"In general, this idea that younger people are better at learning things, and 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks,' is not scientifically valid," Dariyanani told TechRepublic after the session.
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In fact, it's easier for a person to learn a skill when they have an analogous schema—something they already know and understand that is similar to what they are trying to learn.
"Older people have mastered a number of complex systems, so as long as they're willing to be flexible and be uncomfortable, they can learn technology and master it the same as younger people," Dariyanani said. "The problem tends to be that as we get older, we're less willing to tolerate non-comprehension and discomfort. This often results in us
"In general, this idea that younger people are better at learning things, and 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks,' is not scientifically valid," Dariyanani told TechRepublic after the session.
More about Innovation
When your driverless car crashes, who will be responsible? The answer remains unclear
GE makes $1.4B bet on 3D printing, acquires two firms to boost additive manufacturing
IoT helping Tassie oyster farmers avoid unnecessary closures
Subscribe to TechRepublic's Next Big Thing newsletter.
In fact, it's easier for a person to learn a skill when they have an analogous schema—something they already know and understand that is similar to what they are trying to learn.
"Older people have mastered a number of complex systems, so as long as they're willing to be flexible and be uncomfortable, they can learn technology and master it the same as younger people," Dariyanani said. "The problem tends to be that as we get older, we're less willing to tolerate non-comprehension and discomfort. This often results in us
