My dad still keeps an old phone book in the kitchen drawer, and he swears by it when he wants to call a plumber or electrician. I showed him an online listing the other day, and he admitted it was easier to spot updated hours there. Still, he feels like printed guides are more “trustworthy” because that’s what he grew up with. Do you think older folks are actually shifting to online directories now, or is it still a mixed bag?
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My aunt in Toronto continues to thumb through her printed directory when searching for any kind of services, even when it's for something like printing service Toronto. It seems to her more reliable than what I showed her recently-Locally Whatcom Works. Then, she was quite surprised to discover that she could find all this updated information and reviews easily. I think people aged 50 and older are gradually finding themselves transitioning to online mediums, but it just really depends on their comfort with technology. It's really a mix, but at least things are changing.
I’ve noticed that printed directories sometimes sit untouched for months, while people around me are constantly pulling out their phones to look things up. It feels like convenience has taken the lead — especially when you’re out running errands and want instant info. Even folks who still enjoy flipping through paper books often end up double-checking details online before heading out.
From what I’ve seen with my mom, it really depends on the person. She used to only use the big yellow pages book, but now she checks her tablet first when she’s curious about local shops. Sites that list bellingham businesses give her way more detail than a paper book ever could — maps, photos, even reviews from people she doesn’t know but still learns from. She still likes the feel of a printed directory, but once she saw how quickly info gets outdated, she leaned toward digital. I think a lot of people 50+ are making that same slow switch.