Senior citizens today, particularly those who are 65 or more, have survived a LOT of changes. The space race, the cold war, the popularization of the television, a couple of recessions, maybe part of a depression, Elvis, rock and roll, and O.J. Simpsons trial.
If you can handle all that, you can certainly deal with a little computer…
Increasingly I’m finding that people over the age of sixty, sometimes even over the age of seventy, are not only trying computers, but becoming prolific at them, in a time when youth is the king and we stereotypically portray anyone over fifty as computer illiterate. People of any age can learn computers.
Surprisingly enough, there are many many older people who are quite good with their computers, but in fact, there are also many who don’t have a computer, don’t have access to one, and haven’t a clue what it can do for them, or what it might offer to them, particularly those who are home bound for all intents and purposes.
I often hear them say, I’m too old to get into that now. As a nurse, I can say with some degree of knowledge and some level of certainty, that you’re not too old to learn computers. There is no such thing as too old or too young to learn about a computer.
They aren’t dangerous, they don’t explode, you can’t hurt yourself and for the most part, you cant hurt the computer.
…and being older does not, as Hollywood or NYC would have you believe, limit your mental capacity.
While you may get a few lines when you reach fifty, and maybe other parts aren’t quite as functional… but you don’t somehow arise one day blighted with stupidity and unable to take in new knowledge. Get your body out there and start learning the skills to use one.
I find it unfortunate that those who are over sixty don’t use computers as a general rule, given all that a computer can offer them with regard to easy communications, sending photos or files to family without leaving home, or buyng and selling things online, as well as looking up new information regarding medications, medical conditions, or even holiday or vacation information. Senior citizens need computers. They can give us a LOT of freedom.
In point of fact, children need computers. I see so many children 5-10 who would love to use the computer, and with some level of supervision, they certainly should. I don’t think however that sitting online playing a game is all that they should do. Learning the various softwares and encouraging them to test their skills with other aspects of computing is a wonderful way to develop the interest and skills they will absolutely need in nearly any job in the world now.
When I mention that perhaps we should give the child some kind of graphics program, such as the popular Tux Paint and help them learn to use it, I very often get “what for”?
The only real answer I have for that one, is … because its there. Kids can do incredible things with a graphic program, and you would be amazed at what they come up with when you tell them you want a picture of any given thng for a web site. Challenge them mentally and creatively and you’re going to instill a love of computers and learning that will give them a competitive edge for years to come. Particularly our female children aren’t encouraged to use computers for more than email and chat, when they can do so much more.
Learning to use a computer well, and to do the basic functions, such as email and email attachments, how to use word processing and graphics software can give a real boost to everyone.
Crafters, seamstresses, a quilter, can use the computer to graph out new patterns, a cross stitcher can use a computer to make a pattern, children can find homework help, look up biographies, or talk to someone a thousand miles away and compare notes on what the kids in India eat for dinner.
When it comes to computers, there is no such thing as too old, or too young and the age old cliche commentary…”Age is just a number” is absolutely true.
