by Jean Sidden

Created on: October 08, 2009

Many older folks feel removed from a society that is moving so fast they have long since given up trying to keep pace. Learning basic computer skills and gaining knowledge of how to navigate the Internet is a wonderful means of connecting them to a world they may no longer feel a part of. The wide range benefits of this connection could be felt in psychological and intellectual ways that result in a greater sense of well-being.

Anyone who has aged parents or grandparents who live at a significant distance must understand how beneficial computer knowledge would be to them. It doesn't take in depth knowledge of the computer to be able to boot up and sign into an email account. We may not like to admit it, but email is becoming the preferred form of communication, particularly long distance communication. An older person who is feeling the separation from family and friends can instantly read email and respond at their leisure. Unlike the telephone, emails may be addressed to multiple recipients so with one message the older person is connecting with children, siblings or several friends.

Once the ice has been broken with the Internet and email, an older person can then launch into web searching. Practically everything now has a website and this could be of benefit to check the business hours of a medical provider, shopping for medications online, doing shopping that would otherwise present a physical burden or simply for the sake of curiosity. There are no limits to what can be gained. For an older person who still drives the mapping sites are a must so driving hours can be maximized and time isn't wasted searching for an address.

As we learn more and more about the mental challenges of the older years and the means to remain mentally sharp, the computer presents many ways to keep the brain active. Online courses offer a way for someone who does not have the physical ability to attend a class in person to still get the benefit of the knowledge and the challenge of the course work. Games are available that help stimulate memory as well as a vast amount of reading material including the websites of every major newspaper. To have access to the New York Times online is to be in touch with some of the finest journalism that exists. Having meaningful discussions about current events, form opinions and come to conclusions is an important way to keep the mind working.

A Facebook friend once posted "everyone and their mother is on Facebook these days." I responded that my mother wasn't. But I wish she were because she'd have direct moment to moment access to both of her children and her grandchildren. She might be surprised to see who is on Facebook.

We hear older people say "I don't have a computer and I don't want a computer!" They often say it with a defiance that is supposed to communicate that they consider the computer vulgar. But I believe they are primarily afraid of the computer. If they enrolled in a class to learn the basics and rise above any sense of vulgarity, they would also eliminate a fear from their life and feel very proud of themselves. There is much on the Internet that isn't in good taste but when used to best advantage to connect to an ever-changing world there's nothing that surpasses it.

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