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COMPUTERS AND THE ELDERLY

Wouldn't it be a great idea to help the elderly have a basic knowledge of the wonders of technology??

Some of the elderly still live on their own. They can't get to places they used to go. They have slowed down and maybe complain of being lonely.

My mother-in-law is 95 years old. Her health is relatively good, but her hearing is virtually gone. She drove until she was 90 years old and survived a stroke. She resides in a Senior complex with individual apartments. The problem with that is she is in Baltimore. We are in New York and grandchildren are not close by. One is in Florida the other is in Afica and traveling.

Her complaint is that she doesn't receive many calls from family. When we do call it is very difficult to have a conversation with her because of her hearing loss. We do call frequently, but she doesn't always hear the phone.

Our plan now is to set her up with a computer and to help her master E-Mail. Then she could comunicate daily with family.

Some communities have senior centers that teach computers to their members. If the centers near you do not have a computer program, encourage them to take on this valuable project.

Posted by Janice Lipka on 05/24/2007 07:25 AM

Comments (15)

15 Comments on COMPUTERS AND THE ELDERLY

MAY

2007

What good kids you are! She will enjoy this new adventure you're sending her on. My Mom has macular degeneration (MD) which has taken "most" of her eyesight, but she still LOVES her computer.

You might try an instant messanger too. Window messenger is pretty easy to use. Then you guys can talk directly anytime you wish. You might even get a webcam for yourself so she can see you when you chat. That would make her feel a lot better I bet.

Janice--This is a wonderful idea! My husband's grandfather lived in Oregon and would communicate with his brother and my mother-in-law and her brother via computer for several years. He was in his 80's. When diagosed with cancer, he moved to MN to be closer to his children and grandchildren. This was a few years ago now but he was one of the first people in his Maplewood nursing home to be set up with the full webcam and computer system so that he could continue to share emails with friends around the country. I believe this is what kept him alive and vibrate for so long....way beyond what doctors had predicted. When his eyesight started to fail we found him highpowered magnification glasses to read his emails...Literally nose to screen!

Move forward on this for your mother-in-law! It is a wonderful way for the elderly to continue to connect and communicate with those they love! :)

Great idea! thanks Jeff

My dad is almost 80 and started his own blog in 2001. He teaches other seniors. the internet can be a tremendous tool for seniors

Good Morning Teri, Thanks for sharing your story. I think it is a great idea for all the elderly, so they feel in constant contact with their families and friends.

Good Morning Kat, We are looking forward in helping her "talk" to us whenever she wants.

Good Morning Teresa, I am impressed. Kudos to your dad!

Janice,

That is a great idea, not only that if they could master the computer somewhat they could do a lot of shopping online also.

MAY

2007

Hi Debbie, E-mail- GOOD Shopping-BAD

I know what you mean Janice. While it isn't always the most personable way of communication, I sometimes feel that if I didn't have emails "conversations" with my mother and father, that I might go weeks with out any contact with them. It's a shame really.

This of course is not to say my folks are elderly. Mid 50's. But they are down just north of Baltimore and I'm way up here. And every week that goes by that I don't see them is another week I really feel that I've lost.

Jason