One of the neatest new activities for seniors is learning
how to use computers and staying in touch with those grandchildren. SeniorNet is a national, not-for-profit
organization that promotes computer usage among older adults. For more information on the national
organization and to find out where the nearest SeniorNet Center is to you,
click on SeniorNet below. Then go and
enroll. The schedule is set up so that
senior volunteers teach a class with 1-2 volunteer coaches so that students
receive close supervision and immediate help.
Many students go on to return as coaches and instructors. The costs are minimal so it is affordable
and fun. I feel this is the wave of the
future. Someday, I believe that
computers will be as standard in our homes as our telephones are today.
Many colleges, community colleges and universities also
offer computer classes although, unlike SeniorNet, they are not geared
specifically for seniors. If you are
somewhat adventuresome and a quick learner, you can try one and see if it is
helpful to you. Being comfortable with
technology is going to be a must for upcoming seniors.
I have been amazed at the knowledge of seniors in the
SeniorNet classes I have taken.
Grandmothers are e-mailing their grandchildren in college. Grandfathers are following their stock
investments on the Internet.
Grandmothers are scanning in pictures of new family members and sending
them to their friends. Being on the
World Wide Web is a wonderful way to stay connected to friends and
relatives. It is also a great way to
keep informed and to continue to keep learning and doing research on various
subjects. Being able to surf the Net
can help compensate for a lack of physical travel if that is no longer
possible. Also, learning new things and
having new experiences is a good way to exercise your brain and maybe avoid
developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
Recently, I read a
report that stated internet useage by seniors in 2000 was up 29% over 1999
compared to internet useage by others that was 21%. Seems like you can
teach an "old dog new tricks."
Other interesting sites:
SeniorNet
Seniors
Senior Site
