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66
Boomer Doesn’t Understand How Technology Works, Annoys Hospital Worker For 20 Minutes
We all worry about the privacy of our personal data in this day and age. However, Baby Boomers are particularly concerned about digital security, as Euromonitor found in 2022. In fact, one in ten people over the age of 55 avoid online shopping because they’re worried about companies sharing and selling their personal information. And while taking precautions is commendable, you sometimes need to disclose at least some things about yourself.
Like when you’re making an appointment at a doctor’s office. You have to give them your name – otherwise, the receptionist won’t be able to register you, right? Well, this boomer didn’t think so. She refused to give out her name and got into a 20-minute altercation with the receptionist, insisting that her information should be “in the system.” Frustrated beyond reason, the receptionist decided to share the story with people online.
RELATED:
Making an appointment by phone can be hard for Boomers too, not just for millennials and Gen Zers
Image credits: Kampus Production / Pexels (not the actual photo)
This receptionist butted heads with a boomer who refused to disclose her name because she feared for her privacy
Image credits: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: anonymous_girl1227
The older generation actually has better data privacy practices than young people
Image credits: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Contrary to what many people from the younger generations believe, Baby Boomers are quite tech-savvy. They might not know (or be interested in) the same content that millennials and Gen Z consume online, but they do have better online privacy practices than the younger generation.
Boomers are actually less likely to reuse passwords and not save their credit card information in their online accounts. Granted, other research shows that boomers don’t always use complex passwords. When it comes to safeguarding their private information, the older generation prefers old-school methods. Instead of using Multi-Factor Authentication or a VPN, boomers opt not to shop online at all, as they tend to mistrust websites.
Perhaps it shouldn’t come as such a surprise – many boomers were at the forefront of developing computers and the Internet. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were both born in 1955, making them members of the elite boomers club. People aged 65 and older actually spend more time on the Internet than any other age group, research shows.
However, they’re the highest percentage of people who never use social media. For them, the Internet is for keeping in touch with friends and family through other channels, such as emails. In a way, that can be safer as they don’t disclose their personal information easily. On the other hand, that makes them targets of phishing or scams more often.
But don’t fear: boomers have great radars when it comes to recognizing fraud. They’re the least likely to engage in potentially unsafe online behavior. The risky behaviors boomers shy away from include opening an email from an unknown sender, logging into more than five social media accounts, connecting to a public Wi-Fi, or saving personal information online.
We ought to have more compassion and patience for seniors
Image credits: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Encounters with the elderly can tax one’s patience, as evident from this story. The Internet is ripe with stories of miscommunication between older folks and young adults. People aged 65+ make up around 17.3% of the population in the U.S., so you’re bound to run into them. The truth is that communication with a senior person might require particular skills.
When it comes to healthcare workers, knowing how to communicate with elderly people is extremely important. “Because ‘unclear communication can cause the whole medical encounter to fall apart,’ physicians should pay careful attention to this aspect of their practice,” Dr. Thomas E. Robinson, II, Ph.D., writes for the AAFPA.
He recommends that physicians and their staff employ such communication techniques as allowing older patients extra time, listening without interrupting, speaking slowly, clearly, and loudly, and giving them the chance to ask questions.
Melanie Donohue, LCSW, writes that it’s important not to be condescending toward older people. “There’s a fine line between speaking clearly and speaking like you’re talking to a child. Slower and deeper speech is easier for seniors to understand, but you don’t have to use infantile language when you communicate with seniors.”
As different generations have differing opinions on things like the privacy of personal information, arguments such as the one in this story can quickly arise. “Be careful with your tone of voice, word choices, and facial expressions,” Donohue recommends. “Even if you’re frustrated, do everything you can to stay calm and civil during the conversation.”
Lastly, diffusing the situation with humor always works. “No one is too old for humor,” Donohue writes. Instead of getting into an argument with the elderly person over something as simple as telling their name, try making a joke (not condescending!) about it.
People ridiculed the lady for making a simple registration for an appointment so hard
Many people shared similar stories where they had a hard time dealing with the older generation
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What do you think ?
kissmychakram 1 year ago
Fed up with the anti boomer sentiment. If we're going to hate on people based upon when they were born we might as well start having a go at Leos. Stupid northern-hemisphere-summer babies.
Sergy Yeltsen 1 year ago
"I hate boomers and old people in general". Says it all. If you're like that, then healthcare is not the profession for you. I am so sick of this whole "Boomers are bad, they ruined the world for us" fight against younger people. So, what are you going to do when you get old? Or are you going to set up a system like Logan's Run? I'm sure most millennials would drag their old parents out into the snow to die if they could. I'd rather put up with boomers than the whinging, milquetoast millennials.
Phil Vaive 1 year ago
I was with you till you started bitching about millennials. Maybe we could just stop with the in-group out-group thinking?
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Jozzy 1 year ago
Why is this even a story, sounds like just about every day dealing with the general public. And it comes from all ages, not just boomers. I wouldn't even say they're nearly as bad as the silent generation.
Mike F 1 year ago
There are 2-3 "writers" who make it their life's work to pump out at least one of these and at least one anti US per week.
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Megan Curl 1 year ago
boomers = elderly. Shame on you. This is just another ageist story, and would have worked perfectly well without adding “boomer.” And the way all the commenters jumped on the bandwagon is stunning. That’s OK though, one day they’ll get old, and karma’s a bit¢h.
Thanos'Fingers 1 year ago
Weren't you guys splooging all over the place in excitement yesterday as you bashed gen Z for their "generational traits"? If they are whiny or lazy snowflakes, you guys are narcissistic buttsniffers. The moral of the story is you people suck. Do better.
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BoredMomster 1 year ago
"Anyone can write on Bored Panda." And apparently do. Clicked in, clicked the "Comments" button - no ad impressions for you - to say that I'm nearly done with BP. I'm here for stories of people dealing with a-holes, not people being a-holes. Enough with the group hate. Boomers, Zoomers, or any category that people are inherently a part of and can't help.
Sonja Heino 1 year ago
This older lady was making it difficult, but it might also be a starting dementia or something similar. My grandma had alzheimers, and she have few similar episodes. She had worked her whole life in a bank, and of course everyone there know her. But after years of retirement at least 95% of the workers had changed and didn't have any idea who she was. Alzheimers kinda blurred the ears and persons in my grandma's head, so she was extremely insulted when she wasn't recognized in her bank anymore. Those few times I was there with her I could de-escalate the situation on focusing how the worker was young so she probably was new and that all the older ones must be on holiday/lunchbreak or something. As grandma was really a sweet old lady, she started treating the worker nicely after getting over the fact of not being recognized. (miss you grandma...)
Giraffy Window 1 year ago
Someone suggested that in the comments, but OP wasn't having it. It makes me sad, because a receptionist on their toes could have actually noted the behavior on the appointment as a point of concern. There's ALSO a possibility of it being a symptom of a UTI, as elderly patients can often exhibit delirium during UTIs and behave completely out of their usual nature.
Load More Replies... Giraffy Window 1 year ago (edited)
This person needs to find a new line of work if they so vehemently hate the patients. That kind of attitude can get people killed. Humans aren't great at listening when they don't like someone, and this receptionist's whole JOB is to listen closely and record the reason for a patient's appointment request. I also don't like how they didn't even consider that one commenter's suggestion of dementia, which would require a moment of compassion in a situation that frustrated them. Instead they essentially stated no person with dementia, even early onset, would ever be able to give a straight answer like this woman eventually did; it's just better that they instead be able to continue justifying their hate.
BluEyedSeoulite 1 year ago
Front desk workers like this is sadly common. My mom worked the front desk and billing in doctors offices and the stories I heard about her coworkers. Please tell the doctors if there are issues with staff members, many people switch docs because they don't want to deal with the office staff
Load More Replies... Trev Fontaine 1 year ago
Whats the obsessed with boomers. Just call them old guy or gal. Makes everything sounds stupid after that.
Don't listen to me 1 year ago
Here in Eu we mostly have phone nr recognition these days. Also most places with a 'system' will ask for date of birth which generally seems be sufficient. Old people frequently don't understand automation & computers and then have been frightened to bits by all the media frenzy & paranoia about the dangers of identity fraud & suchlike. Dangers especially to old people who don't understand how things work now! No wonder some are paranoid about parting with their information.
Historyharlot93 1 year ago
Exactly. We need to cut them some slack. You know “old people” have been using the internet since the beginning, and it was a lawless wasteland. You could unwittingly download viruses that wrecked your computer, people could steal your info left and right, Nigerian princes wanted your financial help, you were the winner of many prizes if you just pay for shipping. This is why a lot of “boomers” are terrified of technology. My FIL is still scared to open attachments on his emails. Add to the fact that there are warnings everywhere that someone is hunting them down to get their Medicare info to file false claims, or may have stolen the title to their house, or they’re getting phone calls that their grandkids are being held for ransom or the police are coming to arrest you, send us $1000 in Target gift cards….The lady on the phone should have given her name, and should have been assured that all her information is protected by law. It was silly, but understandable
Load More Replies... Becky Samuel 1 year ago
Surely the phone has number recognition, so maybe she assumed you could just look her up that way. I certainly would (although I wouldn't be a díck about it).
Bored something 1 year ago
It's entirely possible the caller led with their name, OP missed it and had a poor phone manner and ticked the caller off. They obviously have an issue with older people using 'boomer' as an insult. We are also only hearing one side and I call bs on it being a 20 min tirade. No one has enough oomph to rant for that long.
ConstantlyJon 1 year ago
Welcome to working in a doctor's office? But also, if they went back and forth for 20 minutes or whatever, and then they said they were going to hang up, that's 100% how I would have handled that and that is, in fact, professional. What they think of the person didn't get in the way of them dealing with it properly. Granted, most of my patient interactions are in person now, not over the phone, but I talk on the phone regularly still with patients and have had this exact situation happen to me. Has nothing to do with the generation. Our clinic sees anyone from newborns to 100+yo patients. Sometimes people are just rude, and it happens from all over the spectrum.
clairebear 1 year ago
Don't understand the hate on Boomers. The majority had no f*****g say in policy and were just working hard and raising families. It is the people in charge that f****d it up. If you want to be angry at someone then be angry at the rich for fixing society to keep them that way. I am Gen X btw not a boomer.
Tabitha 1 year ago (edited)
Listen, entitlement is not a generation thing. It’s an a*****e thing, and there are a******s all over the world, in all shapes, sizes, locations, income levels, education levels, SES, careers, religions, ethnicities—-and ages (amongst a host of other things). This woman could also have been in her twenties or thirties, and behaved like just as much of an a*****e, or even more. Most older people are actually perfectly nice and reasonable, and have a good grasp of technology—-theirs is the generation that invented it, ffs. Most younger people are also perfectly nice and reasonable, and their grasp of technology is even better because they grew up with it. but they should never think there isn’t a hefty percentage of their own cohorts who are real dyed in the wool a******s too. TBH, those one either side, the “OK Boomer” crowd, and the “These damned kids today” crowd, who keep unnecessarily stirring this pot, are the ones who are the true a******s in this debate. So instead of lumping entire generations together under an unfair stereotype that only fits a small percentage of their total group size, when it comes to people being a******s let’s just take it on a case-by-case basis—-I include the generational argument pot stirrers in this—-and call them out whenever possible just to shut them TF up.
Carney 1 year ago
Let's all hate on boomers, shall we? Just what our world needs...more hate, more stereotyping, more blaming "the others." Lump all people of an age together, label them as bad and stoke that hate. Meanwhile, let's ignore all the contributions made by the older generations. Then let's ignore all the good things about the current generation and hate on them. Meanwhile, the middle generation is lazy, stupid and without merit, so let's hate on them. All of this is so helpful and good for the world.
Thanos'Fingers 1 year ago
Where were you all yesterday for the Gen Zers? Or is it only worth speaking up when it's your own group? There are quite a lot of Boomers on BP
Load More Replies... Mark Savoie 1 year ago
I REDACTED despise the OP. "I hate boomers and old people in general"? Really? REDACTED off! The patient was either addled or entitled. These can happen more frequently with the eldetly and boomers, but they are not synonymous with us. Again I say, REDACTED off!
ERMAHGERD DINOSAURS 1 year ago
I always lead with my DOB when trying to discuss or schedule anything related to healthcare…then they usually verify my name to me based on a non-unique series of numbers…
Pyla 1 year ago
EFF The boomer content. Do you know who the APEX karens are? Millennials. The park lady, the lemonade lady, et al. Grow a small part of the brain that controls critical thinking. Stop posting ageist garbage on one hand, then all "let's all be friends" schmaltz on the other. Yikes, such a pack of idiots.
michele mbennett101044@yahoo.c 1 year ago
Listen up, I'm 79 and I understand the technology. For Christ's sake, what kind of addled brained moron doesn't understand that he/she isn't the only person this doctor treats and everybody knows who they are??? WTF?
Glitcher 1 year ago
When I worked at Best buy, an older man came in. He said, "I'm looking for the DVD my wife saw when she was here yesterday". He didn't know the name of it, who was in it, or what the cover picture looked like. "Well why don't one of you know, she talked to someone here". We even offered to call the person who had worked that department yesterday, but he didn't have a name or description of that either. I said, "I'm sorry sir, I've offered everything up to and including calling my coworker on their day off, but if you don't have any information at all to share with me, I can't help you. "
Kate Johnson 1 year ago
So what you have here is a bigoted individual that's clearly not a very nuanced thinker. They can't seem to separate someone's behavior from their age/race/sex and like all low IQ folks have to make specious generalizations to justify their overt bigotry. Yawn.
Display_Name 1 year ago
I had a similar problem. Lady calls and says she needs to schedule an appointment. I politely ask for her DOB. She tells me and then I ask for her name and she tells me. Then I ask for her address (for insurance purposes) and her phone number (ya know, for the reminder call). She says she doesn't feel comfortable providing that information. I say ok and make a note of it. Before i hang up she tells me it is rude to ask for someone's dob. I'm sorry but telling me 12/15/1987 and then telling me your name is Jane Doe is more efficient then telling me your name is Jane Doe and 3 of them pop up on the screen which means i still need your DOB. The day of her appt, she has to wait an extra 15min while I locate her insurance and create her paperwork.
Dainty72 1 year ago
F******g stop hating on boomers!! Yes there's some that are/can/will be disrespectful! But how you talk and think about the older generation is disgusting! I'm gen z btw and never heard such disgusting things about "boomers" ever in my life. There's plenty of disrespectful "boomers" but are you saying that you're respectful? I DONT THINK SO!!! There's right and wrong in every generation, so stop playing the victim's of the elderly, as you are here because of them you ungrateful fools. I'd also love to know how you treat your grandparents? Or are they the only nice respectable ones left?
Pheline 1 year ago
I remember a review of a photo editing app. The reviewer was angry because it was a scam/fake/something and it didn't work. 🙄 This reviewer refused to give any permission to the app - you know, like the normal access to photos permission and was furious their edited photo wasn't saved. There’s caution wrt privacy and then there’s absurdity. For someone to refuse to tell a scheduler who is scheduling? That's pretty extreme.
Pheline 1 year ago
Also- remember phone books? The White Pages that showed up on your doorstep or dorm room? They had *gasp*! Everyone's name, address, and phone number!! I think plenty of have NO idea we did this. Not only did we have these directories with our information, we used them to look up other people and call them! Sometimes, we called people we didn't know! Imagine. As a member of Generation Jones, I think we're situated to remember thinks like the White Pages while taking realistic precautions. (it feels almost like we're the generation of “youngest child in the family.” Our parents were all burned out from huge Boomer cohorts but for some reason they kept going for another couple of years from 1962-1964. We’re decidedly not Boomers but GenX doesn't fit us economically either.
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Missy Broyhill 1 year ago
Your lack of understanding and patience is a sign of your immaturity. The woman probably has some senility. when you are that age will happen to you. And yes I am fed up up with the boomer hatred. Grow up
Lyone Fein 1 year ago
NEWSFLASH: There are stupid people of all ages! Also, it took a few centuries to ruin the world--at least since the 1600s when large scale urbanization and industrialization began. So don't blame the whole catastrophe on one generation. In fact it was largely the boomers who started the environmental movement.
Jodie daubenmire 1 year ago
Boomers invented the system, computers and literally fought for you entitled little brats...Boomers will die standing up at work because one of you uneducated idiots will call out, BECAUSE YOU GOT YOUR FEELINGS HURT. So tired of this Boomer hatred..But, my generation is moving up into the world. And as a proud female combat Veteran, and Gen X'er, let me remind you Karen's..our motto is "F**k around and find out". It's time for you lazy asses to move out of your Grandma's basement and grow up, let us help you with that..And as a Nurse, if that little glorified answering machine, EVER disrespected a patient like this, she would be counting her teeth, from the unemployment office..I know you aren't bright, maybe rent some respect. God knows you are too lazy to ever buy any.
NannernomminNanaPanda 1 year ago
I'm sure that was a time consuming, frustrating experience, but why hate a whole group of people on your hate list? I worked in a very similar job at the VA hospital. I tried to treat the older folks the way I would want someone to treat my grand parents. Lil Miss Oh My God I hate old people might be lucky enough to be old people herself someday.
Annie Steele 1 year ago
Your arrogance is why you should never be on the end of a phone. Patience is a virtue and this Gen Z, entitled brat doesn't understand why an older generation who have watched the world change drastically in 40 years are un-nerved about giving details over the phone. Charm school obviously wasn't a place OP went to.
LuckyTanuki 1 year ago
Don't think this is a "boomer" thing. This is just more of a "stupid" person thing. Like even most boomers know that a name is obviously needed to find someone, even back with paper and pen and physical files, you still needed to look someone up by personal information... Also that one comment about people redacting their SSN number on tax returns hits so close to home for me. I work in insurance and on the forms our customers have to fill out, it requires all their standard information, name ssn, address, etc. We constantly see people who redact their SSN numbers like it's some secret... WE NEED THAT INFORMATION, IT IS CRUCIAL TO YOUR INSURANCE FORM.
W Three 1 year ago
This is beyond stupid no matter what age you are. This post is only about two things really. - someone who's skill set doesn't match their job -spewing hate for no reason I do have a small amount of empathy for the original poster as a customer facing job can be really awful however it's typically because the person in the job doesn't really want it but had to take it and/or next to no training is provided for these type of jobs . The pay can be terrible, but this poster is at a doctor's office so they're probably okay. They admitted this is about their hate for older people. That's just not smart. None of us would be here without people older than us and we're all going to be old folks unless you're okay with tragedy. Lastly please this: The generation grouping and labeling was all made up by a research company and they have admitted to it. They made a ton of money by then selling that erroneous information to thousands of companies for marketing purposes.
Momifer 1 year ago
There will come a time when you are considered old, too. You will have quirks that annoy the newest generation. As a loud and proud Gen Xer, I know how to do s**t you can't even fathom, because that s**t doesn't rely on a computer or electronics. Don't.Hate.On.Other.Generations.
Neopet22 1 year ago
Gee saying you hate boomers and old people is kind of nasty. Don't work as a receptionist for a doctor then because most patients will most likely be elderly. Some old people really don't get technology and we shouldn't condemn them for it. They weren't raised like younger generations. A lot of older people also get scammed on the phone so I am sure that creates more paranoia.
BluEyedSeoulite 1 year ago
My sister works at an insurance call center and at each step, they have to confirm who they are talking to. Some people get really annoyed about it by the 3rd time but with HIPPA, there is no other option. She had noticed it really isn't so much of an age thing, it is an Ahole thing with callers. Older people due tend to be more confused but are also extremely grateful when you go the extra mile to help them. It usually takes an extra 2 minutes but worth it
Yulia Yakovenko 1 year ago
So many spiteful people who will never get old…how childish. Telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell, not by zoomers. And yes, elderly can get “those moments” and it’s annoying, but you also will get old
Andrea Johnson 1 year ago
Yes, some boomers struggle with technology. On the other hand, there are other boomers who created that same technology. Don't put us all in the same box and we'll try not to do the same to you.
Justin Tyme 1 year ago
As Lynyrd Skynyrd would say, “What's your name, little girl? What's your name?”
Hydro Keychain 1 year ago
Not reading anything with the word 'boomer' in it anymore. Right to the comments section to say this. Don't you people understand YOU WILL ALL GET OLD???
Ronnie Wilson 1 year ago
You entitled brats can kiss my aged a**. You ungrateful little fuggers.....You make me and the rest of the boomers embarrassed and worried for our nation's future. Your parents raised you wrong.
Reta Murphy 1 year ago
If it wasn't for boomers, you wouldn't have the technology of today. I was working on and with computers in the 70's. I worked on the AWACS program. I rode a motorcycle that I mechanically maintained. I fought for womens rights in sports in early 70's. Yes, I am a Boomer (oh no get the pitchforks and torches).
Joanne Earle 1 year ago
Gettin real sick of this 'boomer'' c**p. Seriously. She is just an idiot. Plenty of boomers know how to make appts and know they have to give their names.
Lazier Timberman 1 year ago
To the receptionist who "hates boomers" - wait, some day you too will be old.
Melissa anderson 1 year ago
If it wasn’t for boomers, the kiddies wouldn’t have their electronic toys to play with and constantly whine on.
Steve Hall 1 year ago
The story seems that the receptionist was patient but the repeated use of the "B" word indicates a total lack of respect.
Gina Cavalli-Boehne 1 year ago
My mom is a silent generation. Wanted to pay her bank loan off. She cant physically go to a bank, has no cellphone and the bank wouldn't even speak to me. They sent a confirmation number to her landline! She doesn't understand a lot of things any kinger and sometimes she is um blunt! It's the dementia setting in. Maybe, that's what was happening w this boomer lady. Little compassion goes a long way....
Dirk Daring 1 year ago
I'm so sorry, but the system is down right now, so I have to write down your appointment by hand until they fix it. Name please?
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
This reminds me of a joke. A PUA/incel says to a woman, "You're cute, what's you're name?" She replies, "It's in the [phone] book." He says, "Great, what's your number?" and she answers, "It's in the book, too." Then walks away.
Tobias Reaper 1 year ago
im picturing that scene in Ted where Mark Wahlberg is trying to guess Teds girlfriends name
kissmychakram 1 year ago
Fed up with the anti boomer sentiment. If we're going to hate on people based upon when they were born we might as well start having a go at Leos. Stupid northern-hemisphere-summer babies.
Sergy Yeltsen 1 year ago
"I hate boomers and old people in general". Says it all. If you're like that, then healthcare is not the profession for you. I am so sick of this whole "Boomers are bad, they ruined the world for us" fight against younger people. So, what are you going to do when you get old? Or are you going to set up a system like Logan's Run? I'm sure most millennials would drag their old parents out into the snow to die if they could. I'd rather put up with boomers than the whinging, milquetoast millennials.
Phil Vaive 1 year ago
I was with you till you started bitching about millennials. Maybe we could just stop with the in-group out-group thinking?
Load More Replies... Jozzy 1 year ago
Why is this even a story, sounds like just about every day dealing with the general public. And it comes from all ages, not just boomers. I wouldn't even say they're nearly as bad as the silent generation.
Mike F 1 year ago
There are 2-3 "writers" who make it their life's work to pump out at least one of these and at least one anti US per week.
Load More Replies... Megan Curl 1 year ago
boomers = elderly. Shame on you. This is just another ageist story, and would have worked perfectly well without adding “boomer.” And the way all the commenters jumped on the bandwagon is stunning. That’s OK though, one day they’ll get old, and karma’s a bit¢h.
Thanos'Fingers 1 year ago
Weren't you guys splooging all over the place in excitement yesterday as you bashed gen Z for their "generational traits"? If they are whiny or lazy snowflakes, you guys are narcissistic buttsniffers. The moral of the story is you people suck. Do better.
Load More Replies... BoredMomster 1 year ago
"Anyone can write on Bored Panda." And apparently do. Clicked in, clicked the "Comments" button - no ad impressions for you - to say that I'm nearly done with BP. I'm here for stories of people dealing with a-holes, not people being a-holes. Enough with the group hate. Boomers, Zoomers, or any category that people are inherently a part of and can't help.
Sonja Heino 1 year ago
This older lady was making it difficult, but it might also be a starting dementia or something similar. My grandma had alzheimers, and she have few similar episodes. She had worked her whole life in a bank, and of course everyone there know her. But after years of retirement at least 95% of the workers had changed and didn't have any idea who she was. Alzheimers kinda blurred the ears and persons in my grandma's head, so she was extremely insulted when she wasn't recognized in her bank anymore. Those few times I was there with her I could de-escalate the situation on focusing how the worker was young so she probably was new and that all the older ones must be on holiday/lunchbreak or something. As grandma was really a sweet old lady, she started treating the worker nicely after getting over the fact of not being recognized. (miss you grandma...)
Giraffy Window 1 year ago
Someone suggested that in the comments, but OP wasn't having it. It makes me sad, because a receptionist on their toes could have actually noted the behavior on the appointment as a point of concern. There's ALSO a possibility of it being a symptom of a UTI, as elderly patients can often exhibit delirium during UTIs and behave completely out of their usual nature.
Load More Replies... Giraffy Window 1 year ago (edited)
This person needs to find a new line of work if they so vehemently hate the patients. That kind of attitude can get people killed. Humans aren't great at listening when they don't like someone, and this receptionist's whole JOB is to listen closely and record the reason for a patient's appointment request. I also don't like how they didn't even consider that one commenter's suggestion of dementia, which would require a moment of compassion in a situation that frustrated them. Instead they essentially stated no person with dementia, even early onset, would ever be able to give a straight answer like this woman eventually did; it's just better that they instead be able to continue justifying their hate.
BluEyedSeoulite 1 year ago
Front desk workers like this is sadly common. My mom worked the front desk and billing in doctors offices and the stories I heard about her coworkers. Please tell the doctors if there are issues with staff members, many people switch docs because they don't want to deal with the office staff
Load More Replies... Trev Fontaine 1 year ago
Whats the obsessed with boomers. Just call them old guy or gal. Makes everything sounds stupid after that.
Don't listen to me 1 year ago
Here in Eu we mostly have phone nr recognition these days. Also most places with a 'system' will ask for date of birth which generally seems be sufficient. Old people frequently don't understand automation & computers and then have been frightened to bits by all the media frenzy & paranoia about the dangers of identity fraud & suchlike. Dangers especially to old people who don't understand how things work now! No wonder some are paranoid about parting with their information.
Historyharlot93 1 year ago
Exactly. We need to cut them some slack. You know “old people” have been using the internet since the beginning, and it was a lawless wasteland. You could unwittingly download viruses that wrecked your computer, people could steal your info left and right, Nigerian princes wanted your financial help, you were the winner of many prizes if you just pay for shipping. This is why a lot of “boomers” are terrified of technology. My FIL is still scared to open attachments on his emails. Add to the fact that there are warnings everywhere that someone is hunting them down to get their Medicare info to file false claims, or may have stolen the title to their house, or they’re getting phone calls that their grandkids are being held for ransom or the police are coming to arrest you, send us $1000 in Target gift cards….The lady on the phone should have given her name, and should have been assured that all her information is protected by law. It was silly, but understandable
Load More Replies... Becky Samuel 1 year ago
Surely the phone has number recognition, so maybe she assumed you could just look her up that way. I certainly would (although I wouldn't be a díck about it).
Bored something 1 year ago
It's entirely possible the caller led with their name, OP missed it and had a poor phone manner and ticked the caller off. They obviously have an issue with older people using 'boomer' as an insult. We are also only hearing one side and I call bs on it being a 20 min tirade. No one has enough oomph to rant for that long.
ConstantlyJon 1 year ago
Welcome to working in a doctor's office? But also, if they went back and forth for 20 minutes or whatever, and then they said they were going to hang up, that's 100% how I would have handled that and that is, in fact, professional. What they think of the person didn't get in the way of them dealing with it properly. Granted, most of my patient interactions are in person now, not over the phone, but I talk on the phone regularly still with patients and have had this exact situation happen to me. Has nothing to do with the generation. Our clinic sees anyone from newborns to 100+yo patients. Sometimes people are just rude, and it happens from all over the spectrum.
clairebear 1 year ago
Don't understand the hate on Boomers. The majority had no f*****g say in policy and were just working hard and raising families. It is the people in charge that f****d it up. If you want to be angry at someone then be angry at the rich for fixing society to keep them that way. I am Gen X btw not a boomer.
Tabitha 1 year ago (edited)
Listen, entitlement is not a generation thing. It’s an a*****e thing, and there are a******s all over the world, in all shapes, sizes, locations, income levels, education levels, SES, careers, religions, ethnicities—-and ages (amongst a host of other things). This woman could also have been in her twenties or thirties, and behaved like just as much of an a*****e, or even more. Most older people are actually perfectly nice and reasonable, and have a good grasp of technology—-theirs is the generation that invented it, ffs. Most younger people are also perfectly nice and reasonable, and their grasp of technology is even better because they grew up with it. but they should never think there isn’t a hefty percentage of their own cohorts who are real dyed in the wool a******s too. TBH, those one either side, the “OK Boomer” crowd, and the “These damned kids today” crowd, who keep unnecessarily stirring this pot, are the ones who are the true a******s in this debate. So instead of lumping entire generations together under an unfair stereotype that only fits a small percentage of their total group size, when it comes to people being a******s let’s just take it on a case-by-case basis—-I include the generational argument pot stirrers in this—-and call them out whenever possible just to shut them TF up.
Carney 1 year ago
Let's all hate on boomers, shall we? Just what our world needs...more hate, more stereotyping, more blaming "the others." Lump all people of an age together, label them as bad and stoke that hate. Meanwhile, let's ignore all the contributions made by the older generations. Then let's ignore all the good things about the current generation and hate on them. Meanwhile, the middle generation is lazy, stupid and without merit, so let's hate on them. All of this is so helpful and good for the world.
Thanos'Fingers 1 year ago
Where were you all yesterday for the Gen Zers? Or is it only worth speaking up when it's your own group? There are quite a lot of Boomers on BP
Load More Replies... Mark Savoie 1 year ago
I REDACTED despise the OP. "I hate boomers and old people in general"? Really? REDACTED off! The patient was either addled or entitled. These can happen more frequently with the eldetly and boomers, but they are not synonymous with us. Again I say, REDACTED off!
ERMAHGERD DINOSAURS 1 year ago
I always lead with my DOB when trying to discuss or schedule anything related to healthcare…then they usually verify my name to me based on a non-unique series of numbers…
Pyla 1 year ago
EFF The boomer content. Do you know who the APEX karens are? Millennials. The park lady, the lemonade lady, et al. Grow a small part of the brain that controls critical thinking. Stop posting ageist garbage on one hand, then all "let's all be friends" schmaltz on the other. Yikes, such a pack of idiots.
michele mbennett101044@yahoo.c 1 year ago
Listen up, I'm 79 and I understand the technology. For Christ's sake, what kind of addled brained moron doesn't understand that he/she isn't the only person this doctor treats and everybody knows who they are??? WTF?
Glitcher 1 year ago
When I worked at Best buy, an older man came in. He said, "I'm looking for the DVD my wife saw when she was here yesterday". He didn't know the name of it, who was in it, or what the cover picture looked like. "Well why don't one of you know, she talked to someone here". We even offered to call the person who had worked that department yesterday, but he didn't have a name or description of that either. I said, "I'm sorry sir, I've offered everything up to and including calling my coworker on their day off, but if you don't have any information at all to share with me, I can't help you. "
Kate Johnson 1 year ago
So what you have here is a bigoted individual that's clearly not a very nuanced thinker. They can't seem to separate someone's behavior from their age/race/sex and like all low IQ folks have to make specious generalizations to justify their overt bigotry. Yawn.
Display_Name 1 year ago
I had a similar problem. Lady calls and says she needs to schedule an appointment. I politely ask for her DOB. She tells me and then I ask for her name and she tells me. Then I ask for her address (for insurance purposes) and her phone number (ya know, for the reminder call). She says she doesn't feel comfortable providing that information. I say ok and make a note of it. Before i hang up she tells me it is rude to ask for someone's dob. I'm sorry but telling me 12/15/1987 and then telling me your name is Jane Doe is more efficient then telling me your name is Jane Doe and 3 of them pop up on the screen which means i still need your DOB. The day of her appt, she has to wait an extra 15min while I locate her insurance and create her paperwork.
Dainty72 1 year ago
F******g stop hating on boomers!! Yes there's some that are/can/will be disrespectful! But how you talk and think about the older generation is disgusting! I'm gen z btw and never heard such disgusting things about "boomers" ever in my life. There's plenty of disrespectful "boomers" but are you saying that you're respectful? I DONT THINK SO!!! There's right and wrong in every generation, so stop playing the victim's of the elderly, as you are here because of them you ungrateful fools. I'd also love to know how you treat your grandparents? Or are they the only nice respectable ones left?
Pheline 1 year ago
I remember a review of a photo editing app. The reviewer was angry because it was a scam/fake/something and it didn't work. 🙄 This reviewer refused to give any permission to the app - you know, like the normal access to photos permission and was furious their edited photo wasn't saved. There’s caution wrt privacy and then there’s absurdity. For someone to refuse to tell a scheduler who is scheduling? That's pretty extreme.
Pheline 1 year ago
Also- remember phone books? The White Pages that showed up on your doorstep or dorm room? They had *gasp*! Everyone's name, address, and phone number!! I think plenty of have NO idea we did this. Not only did we have these directories with our information, we used them to look up other people and call them! Sometimes, we called people we didn't know! Imagine. As a member of Generation Jones, I think we're situated to remember thinks like the White Pages while taking realistic precautions. (it feels almost like we're the generation of “youngest child in the family.” Our parents were all burned out from huge Boomer cohorts but for some reason they kept going for another couple of years from 1962-1964. We’re decidedly not Boomers but GenX doesn't fit us economically either.
Load More Replies... Missy Broyhill 1 year ago
Your lack of understanding and patience is a sign of your immaturity. The woman probably has some senility. when you are that age will happen to you. And yes I am fed up up with the boomer hatred. Grow up
Lyone Fein 1 year ago
NEWSFLASH: There are stupid people of all ages! Also, it took a few centuries to ruin the world--at least since the 1600s when large scale urbanization and industrialization began. So don't blame the whole catastrophe on one generation. In fact it was largely the boomers who started the environmental movement.
Jodie daubenmire 1 year ago
Boomers invented the system, computers and literally fought for you entitled little brats...Boomers will die standing up at work because one of you uneducated idiots will call out, BECAUSE YOU GOT YOUR FEELINGS HURT. So tired of this Boomer hatred..But, my generation is moving up into the world. And as a proud female combat Veteran, and Gen X'er, let me remind you Karen's..our motto is "F**k around and find out". It's time for you lazy asses to move out of your Grandma's basement and grow up, let us help you with that..And as a Nurse, if that little glorified answering machine, EVER disrespected a patient like this, she would be counting her teeth, from the unemployment office..I know you aren't bright, maybe rent some respect. God knows you are too lazy to ever buy any.
NannernomminNanaPanda 1 year ago
I'm sure that was a time consuming, frustrating experience, but why hate a whole group of people on your hate list? I worked in a very similar job at the VA hospital. I tried to treat the older folks the way I would want someone to treat my grand parents. Lil Miss Oh My God I hate old people might be lucky enough to be old people herself someday.
Annie Steele 1 year ago
Your arrogance is why you should never be on the end of a phone. Patience is a virtue and this Gen Z, entitled brat doesn't understand why an older generation who have watched the world change drastically in 40 years are un-nerved about giving details over the phone. Charm school obviously wasn't a place OP went to.
LuckyTanuki 1 year ago
Don't think this is a "boomer" thing. This is just more of a "stupid" person thing. Like even most boomers know that a name is obviously needed to find someone, even back with paper and pen and physical files, you still needed to look someone up by personal information... Also that one comment about people redacting their SSN number on tax returns hits so close to home for me. I work in insurance and on the forms our customers have to fill out, it requires all their standard information, name ssn, address, etc. We constantly see people who redact their SSN numbers like it's some secret... WE NEED THAT INFORMATION, IT IS CRUCIAL TO YOUR INSURANCE FORM.
W Three 1 year ago
This is beyond stupid no matter what age you are. This post is only about two things really. - someone who's skill set doesn't match their job -spewing hate for no reason I do have a small amount of empathy for the original poster as a customer facing job can be really awful however it's typically because the person in the job doesn't really want it but had to take it and/or next to no training is provided for these type of jobs . The pay can be terrible, but this poster is at a doctor's office so they're probably okay. They admitted this is about their hate for older people. That's just not smart. None of us would be here without people older than us and we're all going to be old folks unless you're okay with tragedy. Lastly please this: The generation grouping and labeling was all made up by a research company and they have admitted to it. They made a ton of money by then selling that erroneous information to thousands of companies for marketing purposes.
Momifer 1 year ago
There will come a time when you are considered old, too. You will have quirks that annoy the newest generation. As a loud and proud Gen Xer, I know how to do s**t you can't even fathom, because that s**t doesn't rely on a computer or electronics. Don't.Hate.On.Other.Generations.
Neopet22 1 year ago
Gee saying you hate boomers and old people is kind of nasty. Don't work as a receptionist for a doctor then because most patients will most likely be elderly. Some old people really don't get technology and we shouldn't condemn them for it. They weren't raised like younger generations. A lot of older people also get scammed on the phone so I am sure that creates more paranoia.
BluEyedSeoulite 1 year ago
My sister works at an insurance call center and at each step, they have to confirm who they are talking to. Some people get really annoyed about it by the 3rd time but with HIPPA, there is no other option. She had noticed it really isn't so much of an age thing, it is an Ahole thing with callers. Older people due tend to be more confused but are also extremely grateful when you go the extra mile to help them. It usually takes an extra 2 minutes but worth it
Yulia Yakovenko 1 year ago
So many spiteful people who will never get old…how childish. Telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell, not by zoomers. And yes, elderly can get “those moments” and it’s annoying, but you also will get old
Andrea Johnson 1 year ago
Yes, some boomers struggle with technology. On the other hand, there are other boomers who created that same technology. Don't put us all in the same box and we'll try not to do the same to you.
Justin Tyme 1 year ago
As Lynyrd Skynyrd would say, “What's your name, little girl? What's your name?”
Hydro Keychain 1 year ago
Not reading anything with the word 'boomer' in it anymore. Right to the comments section to say this. Don't you people understand YOU WILL ALL GET OLD???
Ronnie Wilson 1 year ago
You entitled brats can kiss my aged a**. You ungrateful little fuggers.....You make me and the rest of the boomers embarrassed and worried for our nation's future. Your parents raised you wrong.
Reta Murphy 1 year ago
If it wasn't for boomers, you wouldn't have the technology of today. I was working on and with computers in the 70's. I worked on the AWACS program. I rode a motorcycle that I mechanically maintained. I fought for womens rights in sports in early 70's. Yes, I am a Boomer (oh no get the pitchforks and torches).
Joanne Earle 1 year ago
Gettin real sick of this 'boomer'' c**p. Seriously. She is just an idiot. Plenty of boomers know how to make appts and know they have to give their names.
Lazier Timberman 1 year ago
To the receptionist who "hates boomers" - wait, some day you too will be old.
Melissa anderson 1 year ago
If it wasn’t for boomers, the kiddies wouldn’t have their electronic toys to play with and constantly whine on.
Steve Hall 1 year ago
The story seems that the receptionist was patient but the repeated use of the "B" word indicates a total lack of respect.
Gina Cavalli-Boehne 1 year ago
My mom is a silent generation. Wanted to pay her bank loan off. She cant physically go to a bank, has no cellphone and the bank wouldn't even speak to me. They sent a confirmation number to her landline! She doesn't understand a lot of things any kinger and sometimes she is um blunt! It's the dementia setting in. Maybe, that's what was happening w this boomer lady. Little compassion goes a long way....
Dirk Daring 1 year ago
I'm so sorry, but the system is down right now, so I have to write down your appointment by hand until they fix it. Name please?
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
This reminds me of a joke. A PUA/incel says to a woman, "You're cute, what's you're name?" She replies, "It's in the [phone] book." He says, "Great, what's your number?" and she answers, "It's in the book, too." Then walks away.
Tobias Reaper 1 year ago
im picturing that scene in Ted where Mark Wahlberg is trying to guess Teds girlfriends name
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