Both of my husband's parents (81) and my mother (78), are internet users. My in laws (who this writer would think of as feeble) read the world news in three or four languages. My mother keeps up with friends all over the country on message boards. It is fun to see MIL and FIL peering at their laptops with morning coffee and discussing the events in Sweden and Finland.

We are planning on getting them a Kindle. There are some great things about the Kindle, one, if you are living over seas you can download books in English and two, my MIL has arthritis in her hands so the Kindle will be easier to handle than paper books, and three, you can make the type size whatever you want.
The last feature makes it a great tool for all of us who now need glasses. That is probably why it is appealing to older people. I know I'll get one at some point.

I had a feeling that this related to type size and reading a commment above, that is evidently the case. I have not tried Kindle and don't plan to because I read newspapers online and don't want more time looking at computer screens- of any size. If it keeps more people reading, it's a good thing.

As for the guy's ageist comments, I guess he had to find something to write about. I could see where people who actually were feeble might find it easier to hold than a book-- even a paperback and maybe in bed it's easier.

On the reading and aging, my mother had macular degeneration which led us to learn about the audio books for the blind by mail. Especially living in the country, this was very cool and exciting for her to be able to continue stimulating her mind when her eyes weren't able to do the work anymore.

Little creep doesn't have room for comments, The entire website is that way. How responsible is that?

I think he should be spanked and grounded for a week.

The word 'insensitive' comes to mind. Douglas needs a lesson in good journalism.

Sorry, I guess I'm not getting the problem. What's so bad about the words "old," "feeble," and even "mature"?
Though I do agree with you, Ronni, about the ways to have made the story more positive and interesting.
But what if we substituted for the three words above, "young," "frisky," and "immature"? Wouldn't that just be a different kind of ageist story?

The headline was definitely snarky, but the article makes some interesting points. I find it interesting that the writer says that the Atlantic Monthly is only read by "old people." One can only hope that the writer gets crippled by arthritis at an early age so he can really understand. In the meantime, I am 62 and far from feeble. I read voraciously although I prefer, like Cpt Picard, to have a physical book in my hand. I see no reason to pay for a Kindle when I can go to my local library and get the books I want. The only thing that is stopping me are my knees which will be replaced soon. The writer obviously doesn't get it, does he? Or perhaps he/she is a tad envious?

Because he is overweight and largely sedentary, my 48 year old husband has many physical limitations that my 79 year old father does not. The difference in their physical abilities become more apparent every year. My dad can and does still climb under machinery to do repairs while I watch my husband struggle to tie his own shoelaces.

I do appreciate your relentless support of elders Ronni, even though I am far from elderly myself. But in this subject matter as well as others where people are so blatantly closed-minded, I really wonder sometimes and in some cases about whether or not the effort expended is worth it.

That article is just outrageous!! And I've looked and looked but don't see a way to contact the guy or even the site.

Consider this, Mr. Kindle Dingle:

Your "feeble" ancestors changed your diapers, fought wars, invented most push-button devices you use, and oh, I guess you should take a hard look in the mirror, dude, as you are already one of us. The Feeble Ones. Come on up to Montreal, so I can kick your doughy butt.