It is understandable. Computers are often difficult to
use with their fast-paced environments, small text, distracting
pop-ups and unfamiliar terms. What are web browsers, links,
blogs, and URLs? What is it about compromised hand-eye
coordination that makes the mouse's cursor zoom all over
the screen? Are all the options on the toolbar really
necessary? And what is a toolbar, anyway?
For curious but reluctant seniors to want to take the
first tentative
steps into cyberspace, they must first be convinced of
the usefulness of computers in their lives. When Frank,
a 71 year-old retiree,learned he could access newspapers
all around the country he signed up for a class in the
local library to learn how to do it on the Internet. In
class he sat next to Lillian, a 63 year-old whose goals
were to learn how to communicate with her nine grandchildren
through email and do genealogical research. Leonard, still
running his own business at 67, wanted to learn how to
make his own letterhead and use email to communicate with
his customers. When he learned that he could also track
the stocks in his portfolio he eagerly jumped onto the
Information Highway.
As Frank's class progressed his eyes were opened to the
many possibilities of Internet applications in his life.
Health care decisions were made easier when he was armed
with information from the websites of Medicare and AARP.
He was amazed to learn how easy it is to book airplane
tickets for him and his wife for their next golfing vacation.
And when his brother was diagnosed with gastrointestinal
celiac disease, Frank was able to gather all kinds of
information about it to pass on to him.
How can you begin to cross the digital divide if you
don't own a computer but are curious about what it would
be like to use one? Investigate learning options in your
area before you invest in a computer of your own. Your
first stop should be the public library, where computers
are usually available for use at no charge on a walk-in
basis. Most libraries have free access, but without instruction.
But many libraries have begun to offer special classes
in computer use, some geared toward seniors, at little
cost. Senior centers have also jumped in to address the
needs of elders to learn computers, and many senior housing
complexes offer computer classes to residents as part
of lifelong learning.
Other practice opportunities can be found on local college
campuses and in high school adult education classes, many
at reduced fees for seniors.
In today's wired world, where more and more health care
and prescription information is available only online,
seniors are at risk if they don't become computer savvy.
With the right instruction, patience, and affordable access
to equipment and software, technophobia can be overcome
at any age.
RESOURCES
- Senior Help-Line can help you locate computer classes
in your area
(800-642-5119).
- RSVP of Windsor County may direct you to computer
classes or link you
with volunteer tutors (885-2083).
- www.cyberseniors.org
- www.seniornet.org
- www.coasevt.org
- www.medicare.gov
(provides information on prescription programs
nihseniorhealth.gov offers information on arthritis,
diabetes Alzheimer's and other diseases)
- www.aarp.com (excellent
informational site for people over fifty)
- The Senior's Guide to Easy Computing, by Rebecca Colmer.
Ask your local library if they have or can get this
book.
