I am self-taught, as well. If I have a minute, I'm always happy to help. But I don't see helping someone as giving them an excuse not to think for themselves.

Good grief..... Your question just reminded me that I was 'suppose' to go help my Mom get her email working AGAIN.  

David, that assumes they know what Google is.  

Oh!  And you better watch the "elderly" stuff around here!  Lots of geezers are sitting toward the top of the ActiveRain leaderboard!

My Dad is 86 and he uses Google!

I would not refer them to something that they probably can not use for help  -- I would not want someone to treat me that way.  And I know many people much younger who are computer illiterate.

I would however ask them to respect my time since I will be doing a big favor for them.

Depends on whether you want this fellow to like you or help you ever again

First do they have to be elderly? I learned how to use Google a long time ago and help "people" almost everyday with it.

I would show them how to solve issues using google...

David Barr I would help them even if I had to go to Google.

What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Yes, agreed. A perfectly legitimate answer to some questions is to Google It.

If I help them, I do it like Apple does when you are in their stores. I don't do it for them, I have them do it, while I instruct. That way they learn how to do it.

What I find though, it more often they want you to DO it for them, and I have even had people get up and leave the room, or take a call while I am doing it. That doesn't happen anymore, no way!

Nope!  I used to know a site that would show how to type the search query into google.  It was a fun way to tell people to google it.  :)

It depends.  If you snarkily say "Google it" you would be considered rude but if you showed them how to research something online -- it could be good.

What's that about teaching a man to fish?

I always respect the elderly and would stop to show them how to do it. They may not be comfortable using computers.

Might give them some hints and show Google by example. Depends on my time constraints.

Most people who have asked me for help are not elderly, and in fact, some are younger than me. I help them. It doesn't bother me at all. 

Only is no one ever helped you when you needed it.  Otherwise it is pretty nice to help someone else who needs it.  You reap what you sow.

I stop and get them on the right track.  If I do it, they won't know how next time. 

Did someone ever take time out to show you how to do something you didn't know how to do or did you know how to do everything?  PS I'm a testy elderly person.

The standard answer around my office is...Google it. 

If I had time I would help, otherwise refer them to Google.

I wouldn't say it is wrong but I would probably offer a little personal assistance. I think some people just don't know where to get started.

Just remember ...... Sum quod Eris.  

If the person is computer illiterate, it is unlikely that they know what Google is and/or how to access Google.  Many people, including many elderly people, have never used computers.

I advise they take a computer course, webinar, hire someone or whatever. From long experience, I don't teach or touch anyone else's computer. And, yes, GOOGLE your problem and chances are there will be an answer.

elderly? how old... illiterate in computers? we all learn sometime..or... we hire someone.... or dont use it, so know its not wrong

David - I would probably help that person, and then suggest to them that they can Google questions like this to find the answer on their own.

David,
If you are in an office your broker should have a protocol everyone knows to follow if they need help.  Either agents ask the salaried staff, have a help line to call or if “designated” agents are fair game to be asked there should be some type of compensation for those agents such as a free private office, extra relo deals, etc.

I would be nicer to teach them how to use Google.

Of course it is not wrong and I encourage such response. To reject a request for help for an elderly illiterate...."how dare them to ask!

One's response is revealing of the light within.

So. I say, everyone should feel empowered to 'Let their little light shine' or the lack thereof.

 Good Sunday morning David. Show them! That everybody learns the same way.

There are plenty of search engines. Baidu(2nd largest), Bing, Yahoo, Excite, Ask...

Market share changes constantly....

David,

I am with William Feela on this one.  There are also great videos.  A

Wrong is not a word I would use.  I learned a long time ago that just because I can do something, doesn't mean others should. My Mom, a really bright woman, was so dense about and afraid of the computer - the elderly have all adopted modern technology at a different pace.