More and more elderly are getting the personal computer bug and diving into the online world. The active baby boomers have matured and become energetic elderly people looking to move out and explore the world surrounding them. The WWW and computers in general have opened the doors to many forms of relaxation and fun for these seniors.
No more are these people destined to just playing shuffleboard or cards with their nearby friends for their relaxation. Nowadays with the help of PCs and the WWW they can play these games and locate online PC support over online connections with people from all over the world. While finding out how to use a computer is still one of the biggest challenges to many in the older generation, when many of them figure out how to use a personal computer, they can’t believe that they had ever worried about it whatsoever.
Some elderly people have voiced nervousness when they begin learning how to use a personal computer and interact with friends over the WWW. They are quite proud when they not only learn how to use a PC, but can manage to even send emails and use other computer programs without any outside help whatsoever.
While some seniors might have had some experience with personal computers in their previous work, many are learning the fundamentals of computer use starting from zero. It’s quite an ordeal at the start for most of these people who find it all a bit overwhelming. This feeling quickly passes, however, as they find out the fundamentals very quickly and can experience some progress after just a few class sessions.
PC use among elderly people has shown to be quite beneficial to them in several aspects. It gets them to become active in life again. While using a PC is not the same thing as doing exercise for the body, using a PC is a very fascinating way for them to give a workout to their most important muscle – their brain. By keeping intellectually stimulated, many elderly people find that they’re not lonely any more and there is much more they are able to do with the aid of a personal computer.
Not only can they use PC programs to assist them to work on some hobbies they might have, but in addition the Internet can assist them to stay in touch with friends who share in the same interest. Staying in contact with relatives and friends by way of email is an additional good way to assist seniors to feel a part of the lives of friends and the world surrounding them. By staying in touch, they discover more meaning in their old age.
Some elderly people even are competent enough with their personal computer use that they can take on part time work doing basic data entry for companies. They can also help in instructing other seniors about the advantages of learning to use a PC and the amazing universe of the WWW. Many seniors may have only heard about the millions of websites out there that contain such a great amount of information that they can easily tap into.
For many seniors it is like turning on a light that shows them what they’ve missed out on all their lives. They begin to be passionate about their exploring for information with personal computers and the Internet. The sense of isolation is lifted right away the very first time they upload and download their first email messages with someone they know. It doesn’t matter if that person is across the world or just across the street, the thrill is the same. Soon they learn how to feel part of the world once more and can participate in more conversations as their knowledge about personal computers and the Internet increases.
Having the ability to reconnect with old acquaintances who they haven’t heard from for years is a very huge accomplishment for these seniors. They also can encourage each other to find out more as they experience together some of the same discoveries while finding out more about PCs and the Internet. This is where online PC support is beneficial. In addition, many in the older generation with hearing difficulties find it much easier to email somebody, or use Skype, Facebook or MySpace to contact them, instead of trying to converse with the friend on the phone.
Those in the older generation who are grandparents find that the Internet is a great way to stay a part of their grandkids’ lives. By sending emails and chatting over everyday happenings, the family grows closer and remains closer as well. By using the Internet, many elderly people have found friends with shared interests. No matter if these interests are hobbies or health matters they have in common, the fun of the ability to chat with someone and have them send a message back to you just about instantly is very fun for these elderly people.
Best regards,
Robert Hosken
“Dr. Bob the CompuNerd”
The author, Dr. Robert Hosken, has over 30 years of career experience with personal computers. Starting in his teens he has built and operated a number of profitable firms and charitable entities. Get his free e-Book “How To Maintain Your Computer” and find out the most efficient ways to work with your computer at Online PC Support, or see his Offsite Backups page, or write him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net – see you there!
