Become a silver surfer: Computing for senior citizens

Last week and this week I spent most of the time researching and writing about accessibility in computing. (You can read the first post and go from there if you're interested.) During my research I came across many references to computing for seniors (seniors being a group that also often prefers and even requires accessibility features in order to be able to use a computer). The overlap was obvious.

So I decided that after I was finished with my accessibility series. I'd look a little deeper into the subject of how to offer our senior citizens access to the world of computing and show how it can open up universes to them that they never knew existed. But perhaps the most important thing that I discovered is that being able to use the computer as a senior citizen is a great way to lessen feelings of isolation and uselessness, especially if you're housebound or have limited mobility.

If you listen to NPR (doesn't everyone listen to NPR? I suppose not; I just like to continue to clutch to that last shred of Pollyanna-ness I still have in my sweaty fist), you often hear this: "This program was brought to you in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, that believes everyone deserves to lead a healthy, productive life." (Or something like that.)

Although this video below was not created by the Foundation, its own tenet is "Enabling people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential." And when you watch this video, you'll see that PEOPLE are what it's all about; seniors in particular. Exploration and discovery don't have to end when you pass a certain milestone age; you, as a senior, can still learn how to use a computer so that you, too, help yourself lead a productive life and reach a potential you never knew you had.

 Below are some resources that I found on the web that may help you, as a senior, or any seniors you know who are either having issues or considering dipping their toes into the digital world. Of course I can't formally endorse any of the non-Microsoft hosted resources, but I have looked into them and found them to be very helpful, as well as earnest in their efforts to help seniors make the most of their computing lives.

I hope that I've been helpful with this post; you don't need to be afraid of the computer—it's just a box of gear, basically. But oh, what partnership and adventure that box can offer if you know how to tickle its keyboard just right. And because of your life experience, you already know that just getting going is often the hardest part of a new endeavor. These resources can help you take that first step.

• Virtual Senior Center connects homebound seniors to community and family   This article tells about a demonstration project developed by Microsoft, the city of New York, and Selfhelp Community Services, and shows how technology can reduce social isolation, increase wellness, and enhance quality of life for housebound seniors.
• Seniors guide to computers   This site describes itself as "for Microsoft Windows, hardware, software, security, accessibility, Internet, backup, and email."
• SeniorNet     SeniorNet states that its  ..."mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom." Read more about what SeniorNet does and how to find one of the Learning Centers in your area.

Crabby's Find of the Day: I found this interesting Facebook page for and about seniors. Let me know what you think about it: Silver Surfers: Senior Citizens and Online Social Networking

Fondly,

— Crabby