4 of 6

Write now Article Tools

I was very surprised when my mother, who retired some years ago, announced that she was having computer lessons. As she found herself unable to keep up with other learners who had typing experience, i offered to give her lessons on my computer.

We started with a cup of tea, and a chat about what she had already learnt. Mum was worried about having forgotten things she had already learnt, but with a bit of prompting they soon came back. Being at my home as opposed to a room full of strangers made Mum more comfortable and relaxed.The practice gave her some confidence,and we had fun too. We visited various web sites that Mum was interested in, and ones that i visit and thought she would enjoy too.

It took me some time to convince her that she would not break the computer, and that making a mistake would not damage the machine. Then i showed her how to send an e-mail, which was something she had been very keen to learn. She was amazed at how simple it was, especially after I explained that the address book would save all the addresses she needed, so that she did not need to remember them.

A few weeks later she bought herself a laptop. At the Age Concern course where she first learnt about computing, they provided her with a special type of mouse as she has problems with her hands. At home I only have a normal mouse, which she found awkward to use. To my surprise, the touch pad on the laptop completely solved this problem.

Now that Mum has her own computer to learn on, instead of climbing the stairs to my flat, she is studying at her own home, using the BBC Webwise site which she finds very useful.

For any older person contemplating buying their first computer, this may be something useful to bear in mind. Also, do not be put off by the size of the text on the screen. It only takes a few seconds to alter it to whatever size you prefer. The speed of the mouse clicks can also be adjusted just as easily.

Now Mum can email our family across the world, with no need to visit the Post Office for air mail stamps, or even the post box. She visits websites instead of relying on books and television for entertainment. It has opened up a whole new world for her.

Learn more about this author, Gill Hamper.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Seniors online: The benefits of computer usage in older generations?
We want to hear your view. Write now!