Seniors Dive into Web Waters

By Alex Frazer-Harrison, The Calgary Herald

September 11, 2008

Among the many stereotypes about seniors is they don't mix well with computers.

To the contrary, more seniors than ever are jumping into the world of URLs, e-mails, webcams, fire wire and word processors -- either by tentatively dipping their toes into the water or by jumping into the deep end.

Patrick Jackson wasn't a complete computer newbie when he decided to take some personalized computer instruction -- he'd dipped into the world of computers a few years ago.

"But my first computer I gave away because the Internet owned my soul within the two-month free trial of high-speed," he says. Still, he had thousands of slides he wanted to archive, and he felt he needed some training so he could use the computer effectively.

"A lot of my early questions had to do with how to move (the picture files) from one place to another," recalls Jackson, a 68-year-old antique-furniture restorer.
"I had what I thought was a good book, but it was using language you're not familiar with, so you spend a lot of time looking through the book for what you think you might want. There are books like Internet for Dummies, and they're good, but I was looking for things that were much more specific."

For seniors looking to learn how to use computers -- whether they've never touched one before, or are looking to expand their knowledge -- the key is hands-on and supportive training, says Diane Henders, president and CEO of Bright Ideas Personalized Learning Inc., a local company that provides computer coaching for businesses, non-profit groups and seniors.

"It's amazing the benefits seniors get from using computers, ranging from something as simple as (kids) being able to safety-check mom and dad from two provinces away, says Henders who instructed Jackson.

Learning to use a computer later in life ties in with recent studies that show an active mind is a healthy mind.

"Anything that keeps the mind active is good for seniors," says Henders. "I read something from the American Psychological Association ... it turns out seniors who use computers show fewer depressive symptoms than others. Lots of seniors find their world narrowing; maybe they have physical problems and are not able to get out into the community like they used to. Computers can open that up."

For many seniors, the Internet is what they want to learn about, says Pat Seifert, a computer instructor at Kerby Centre, which offers a range of instruction courses for budding hackers in their 60s and older.

"But like in other things, you have to learn to walk before you can run. So you have to learn how to get in and out of your computer properly things as simple as learning to turn it on and off properly," she says.

"And learning to use that silly mouse -- you need to know how to hold it properly so you're not accidentally hitting buttons."

Both Henders and Seifert work with students who have varying comfort levels with computers. One of Seifert's classes is called Absolutely Terrified.
"'I'm afraid I'm going to wreck it' -- that's the biggest concern," she says. "You need to learn to read the screen -- what does it say to you? When it asks, 'Are you sure you want to do this?' if you're not sure, say no."

One problem seniors face is being overwhelmed by information -- and not having someone actually teaching them what it all means, says Henders.
"The main source of information tends to be friends and family -- 'I'll show you how to do that' -- and that's not always the best," she says.

"Or else they deal with the tech guys who come out to fix their computers; they're brilliant technicians, but they aren't teachers. They'll sit down and go click-click-click and it's fixed. And (the senior) says, 'I must be a moron because I didn't get that.'"

There are plenty of options available for seniors looking to learn more about computers, ranging from sessions offered by the Calgary Public Library and courses organized by the likes of Kerby and other seniors organizations, to professional trainers such as Henders.

"The first question to ask (when choosing a course) is, 'What do I want to do with this computer?'" says Seifert. "You also have to ask, do you have the time? Absolutely Terrified is a five-week class, for example."

For seniors with busy schedules, an alternative might be to attend a shorter program, such as one of Kerby's afternoon seminars on specific topics, or arranging for one-on-one instruction such as Jackson did with Henders.
Henders also recommends asking about the size of the class, and "the most vital question: 'Is it hands-on training?' You will not learn anything if you're watching someone do a PowerPoint presentation.

"Also, it's important to make sure what you're learning is actually on your computer at home. For example, it's difficult for people who aren't computer users to understand there are different versions of Windows, Word, Excel."
There's no age limit on taking a computer course -- all you need is interest. Henders says a number of her clients are over 80; Seifert's oldest student is an enthusiastic 92 year-old. "He had a blast," Seifert says.

For Jackson, he doesn't hesitate to recommend seniors look into computer training, whether a one-on-one session like he did with Henders, or taking a class.

"I had (Henders) to the house a few times, and every time she answered all the questions and got me to do what I want to do," he says. "She made it so simple my dog could do it."

That said, now that he's finished his slide archiving project, Jackson doesn't plan to completely succumb to the lure of the microchip, especially when it comes to his passion for restoring furniture dating as far back as the 1600s.
"I've done this for 35 years and I don't often get stumped by a piece of furniture," he says. "I don't use (the computer) for my work or accounting, banking -- it's strictly a fun thing."

More Information on US Elder Rights Issues

Copyright © Global Action on Aging
Terms of Use  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us