Okay, we’re sold on the benefits but we have to be realistic. Whilst it’s wrong to underestimate the potential of the elderly to embrace new technology, for many it’s still a challenge, so how do we set about this?
Equipment
The starting point is ensuring they have the most appropriate computer. Laptops are convenient but the keyboards can be fiddly and screens are generally not that big. A good-sized screen is probably a sensible idea and if it has touch-screen technology that will make operating it even easier. It’s also worth considering an ergonomic keyboard with wrist supports and an ergonomic mouse with wrist support pad.
As far as possible you should go for wireless technology, which eliminates tangles of wires. Take care, of course, to ensure any essential wiring doesn’t run the risk of becoming a tripping hazard!
It’s actually possible to buy a specially simplified computer designed for the elderly. This is called SimplicITy and it strips down the functions of the computer to core areas such as the internet and email. This takes out a lot of the confusion presented by all the different icons and options presented on a typical computer screen.
Learning
Once you have the computer it is going to take time to get your elderly parent up to speed. This can of course be done by you or friends and family. It’s a case of putting yourself in your parents’ position and imagining you don’t know the first thing about computers – even what a mouse does! Take things in small stages and if your parent is able to write easily then it might be a good idea for them to write down the basics of your explanations. This not only gives them a reference point in their own words, the physical act of writing also aids the learning process.
This can also be a great way for your own children to interact with Gran and Grandad. They can find it a lot of fun teaching their grandparents how to get into a world which they naturally understand, though make sure you guide them about doing this in a patient and appropriate way!
Alternatively there are now a large number of computer courses available in the community specially designed for older people. Age UK works with the Digital Inclusion network to provide training courses for the elderly across the country. You can visit their site to find one near you: Age UK Computer Training Courses for the Elderly. You can also see what’s available from the Digital Champions Network, a group of people and organisations dedicated to getting more people online. There are many other providers besides these, you simply need to search in your area.
If your elderly parent is in a retirement complex or home you should speak with the management about opportunities there. Maybe funds could be used to provide communal computers and there should certainly be the opportunity to have someone visit the complex to provide an introduction to senior surfing.
Once they’re up and running with how to operate things it’s worth taking some time to explore the potential with them. Show them some sites they would enjoy and search together so they develop an awareness of the possibilities.
There are a great many sites designed with the elderly in mind and a little research, keeping your parents’ interests in mind, can provide a helpful package for them to start with. Stick these sites in their favourites list and your parents will have fantastic resources to begin their journey. A popular place which brings together many links to useful sites for the elderly is Silversurfers.net – that can be another excellent starting point.
It can take time for something so new to become familiar to your elderly parents, but the internet has transformed the lives of many older people, combating depression and isolation. It’s a fantastic resource and most definitely worth the effort.