Seniors Benefit from Use of Computers

June 22nd, 2009 at 07:58am Donna Addison

If you grew up with manual typewriters, actual encyclopedias and record albums, you remember the days before computers.  There was no Internet, no Google, no email.  I still remember getting my first computer in the late 1980’s.  I opened the boxes, set it up and then stared at it. I didn’t know how to turn it on, let alone use it.  Today, I cannot imagine living without my computer–it’s a tool I use daily to stay in touch with family and friends, find information needed for work and leisure, to pay my bills keep my checkbook balanced.  Despite growing up in the days before computers became a household mainstay, the “Baby Boomer Seniors” seem to have made a smooth transition from the typewriter ribbon to the Laser jet printer.  My mom and dad are always on their computer, whether it because they are playing “Free Cell” or checking up on me via “Facebook.”  Not surprisingly, though, there remain many seniors who have not used a computer or who are fearful of taking the leap into this world of electronics.  I assure them it’s never too late to learn a few new skills!

Seniors using computers can build dexterity by using the keyboard, mouse and other peripherals that come with today’s gaming systems.  Whether it’s looking for information through a search engine or reading the local paper on-line, computer use gives their eyes a work out through all that scanning of the information displayed on the monitor.  Learning new skills and putting those skills to use may help keep memory alive and well. Communicating with loved ones–or, even finding those long lost classmates–can bring joy to anyone’s day.  For those that are house-bound, the computer can bring the world to the home.

Seniors don’t need to know how a computer actually “works;” they just need to know how to use this invaluable tool to their advantage.   Don’t let a lack of knowledge scare you away from computer use; there are plenty of classes, over-sized monitors and even large-print books that can help you navigate this strange, new world.  If my 85 year old aunt can send email, so can you!

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