I gave my mom an iPad2 a year ago; she's 81. I practically had to force her to try it as she really wasn't that interested in it. I promised her that I'd take it back if she found she didn't like it during the 30-days I had to return to Best Buy for a full refund.
Today? I swear that if I tried to take it from her ... she'd hunt me down and beat me up!
She is on it every day and thoroughly enjoys it (as she was about a week into using it ... it didn't take the full 39 days).
Oftentimes, it's the "getting it into your/their hands" part that's the key. Once they try it - that's usually all that's needed. But, all you can do is try. If he doesn't like it, just return it. Most stores have excellent return policies.
Good luck. And what an awesome gift!
Marilyn