I think for older people, the "new" technology is intimidating. Also, they don't like seeming stupid in front of younger people, who would likely be teaching the course or helping them do stuff, so they just pretend like they're not interested. I may be making a huge generalization, but this has been the case in most of my observations and experiences. My step-grandfather really knew next to nothing about computers, and when he had trouble, he blamed the "stupid idiot" who was on duty in the nursing home computer center. The problem was with the ISP, not the computer lab, and the person on duty tried explaining that. My grandmother has never owned and will not buy a computer because 'it's too complicated.' If she wanted to, she could learn how to use one, but she's too worried to try. Then again, my mom's parents have a computer, and use it for the internet and email. They are less comfortable using a computer than many people I know, but they have figured out how to use their computer and the internet as much as they need it. I think most people though are too nervous and too worried about how they will look in front of others to try.
Then again, I'm not complaining... I just wish some of the other people on my campus would use the net less (so I can use more of the bandwidth, of course
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