A recent poll marking Silver Surfers day indicates that for those who do use the internet ‘more than half of over 55’s online say the net gives them a new lease of life.’
Nowadays one can chat to relatives in Australia, use a digital camera to take and email pictures, communicate and keep up with the grandchildren, go shopping, play bingo and poker online, and rediscover old friends from schooldays.
Computers offer endless possibilities and opportunities, and they can also save time. Seniors are busy people. Computer programmes exist that turn letter writing into a breeze, at the press of a button calculations can be effortlessly achieved and you can stretch your mind creatively by designing and producing your own greetings cards.
Physical limitations are no barriers to computing either. If one’s mobility is limited, the weekly shop can be selected online and then delivered directly to your door. And online shopping across all age groups is fast becoming the most popular way to purchase that special gift. Those monitoring internet shopping trends anticipated an online spending of more than £13bn during October to December 2007. That’s nearly twice as much as spent in the whole of 2006 online.
And keeping in touch has never been so easy. For those who have trouble with rheumatism or arthritis, the keyboard offers a new lease of life. Communication via email, instant messaging, chatrooms and forums is a wonderful way to make and maintain friendships.
No wonder that in a survey recently carried out by Telewest, half of over 50’s say life without the net would be unimaginable! It is becoming a growing pastime and has as much importance in the lives of some as traditional interests such as golf. Properly introduced to the subject, this new technology can become a major hobby with the elderly and offer a new source of freedom and flexibility.
So if you’re new to computing, where do you start? It’s true, the subject can initially be daunting and the terminology and ‘logic’ intimidating. But with a step by step approach, the rewards are infinite.
Deciding to embrace this technology, one lady in her 70’s purchased a laptop computer, camera and printer. After a slightly shaky start she took a few lessons and now understands enough to get herself out of any pickle that may present itself. She finds this new confidence in her abilities immensely empowering and it has added to her sense of independence and self-worth.
Another major benefit is the challenge computing offers to the mind. As often quoted, an active mind is a healthy mind. People perceive that their memory declines as they get older and that they are less able to retain new information. In fact once we begin to exercise our mind it is generally found that the reverse is true. By keeping the brain alive, one’s memory can become sharper and the accomplishment that comes from learning something new is invaluable to many.
There is no doubt that technology is on the march. But the indications are encouraging. More and more senior citizens are purchasing computers and enjoying them. They add real value to the lives of the elderly and there’s no reason for anyone to be left behind.
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