Video Clip of Elderly People Learning To Use iPhones Warms Hearts

There's a stereotype that older people and technology don't mix, but as a viral video on TikTok shows, you can learn new skills at any age.

A clip posted by @bartsimps0n shows a group of elderly people learning to use an iPhone. Shared on 11 June, the class—which appears to be led by an Apple store employee—has TikTokers both crying and cheering.

"Brb crying in apple," one wrote alongside the footage, which has received more than 3 million likes and almost 52,000 shares.

The rise of the 'Silver Surfers'

According to the Pew Research Center, the number of people over 65 embracing technology has grown significantly in the last decade. In 2021, 61 percent of Americans aged 65+ owned a smartphone, compared to 13 percent in 2012.

Although those over 65 are less likely to use social media, 45 percent reported having at least one account—up from 16 percent in 2012. Some 75 percent of this group also access the internet every day, but only 8 percent said they are "online constantly," in comparison with 48 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds.

Also, 44 percent of over 65s own a tablet, while 49 percent watch YouTube—10 percent more than in 2019.

A study by Social Catfish found that younger people are being conned by online scams at a faster rate than seniors. In 2020, the FBI received 23,200 scam complaints from people under 21, an increase from 9,000 in 2017. The combined cost of these losses was an estimated $71 million, with cyber-fraud rising by 156 percent between 2017 and 2020.

However, seniors still made up the largest number of victims in 2021, with the FBI receiving 105,000 complaints totaling $9.6 million in losses (although that didn't stop one grandma from conning a scammer).

'BRB Crying in Apple'

TikTok users couldn't get enough of the clip, with one, TheMcFam, claiming they'll "never recover from this video."

"This is so cute," commented lizlivingblue.

"Sobbing," said Nidal.

"The fact that maybe they have nobody that can teach them breaks my heart," wrote Salvatore Bolumetto. "This is a beautiful thing to do."

Others found the video empowering, with eat the rich commenting: "Learning is fun, there is nothing sad about this."

Lucy m agreed, writing: "This is awesome! Let's stop feeling sorry for elderly people."

User6406217497804 said: "Keep on learning no matter which stage of life you're in."

Not Nat Granger commented: "My grandma goes to class every week with 25 other old people where they learn how to use their phone and text their grand kids and kids memes. Its the best."

Newsweek has reached out to @bartsimps0n for comment.