Hi, Leigh - interesting post.

You have hit on one of my "sore spots".  As an official older adult, I know that the stereotype of older adults being technophobic and unable to learn new technologies is just plain wrong.  However, many people still believe the image of Billie for their thinking on older adults in the workplace and in life.

Your call for each of us to identify and take down the barriers of perception that stop us from interacting and achieving is not only timely, but almost essential.  We cannot afford to let our mental models restrict ourselves or anyone else from full participation.  While some natural differences exist, especially with regard to learning speed and so on, most older adults I know are . perfectly capable of being Annas ... only their own barriers make them Billies.

Thanks for a timely and important message:)

John