COMPUTER FOR SENIORS

Most of us have a chance to use computers in our daily life but are awed by the feeling that it may be too complex and learning them too difficult at this age. You could not be more wrong. Today’s computers have been made so easy to use that a normal 5 year old can use them and unless you are very unlucky, you cannot damage anything easily, untill you get angry and bang your computer on the floor. To start working on the computer you just have to switch on the power- just like you switch on the fan.
Many Seniors Citizens are today using their computers and are on emails and surf the net regularly. And at least three have written books using computers, because it becomes so easy. We know of a senior citizen, 80 years old, who, due to an accident could not use his right hand, keeps in regular contact with his son in USA. He is very enthusiastic using his computer.

As seniors what are the important needs of our life:

1. Good health
2. Keeping in touch with our family and friends.
3. Companionship
4. Intellectual stimulation
5. Satisfying our creative urge for which we may not have got a chance earlier
6. An easier way to do many simple jobs.

Of course you will point out many more. But let us examine how computers can help you fulfil many of these needs in an easy manner.

1. Good health. You have to consult doctors and take your medicines. But sometimes your doctor may not take the time to explain things fully. You can go to the internet and learn all about your health problems, what to avoid, what to do. You can read up about the reactions of medicines that you are taking and so be on your guard.
2. Keeping in touch with your family and friends. Nowadays the art of writing letters is almost lost. So we easily lose touch with friends, and keep in touch with close family members through the phone. But with the email, you can keep in touch with everybody you love or his family, friends, even acquaintances, without time lag, easily and without any cost. Many of you may be having children abroad, or even in distant cities in India. Sending them an email and getting a response possibly within minutes is a very satisfying experience. You can even telephone most countries for free if you talk over the net – and with your children, you can do it on video where you look at each other while talking. All for free.
3. Companionship. Even if you are a very social person, and meet your friends regularly, you may still need a computer for this purpose. You have social websites, where you can make friends, discuss things, share your sorrows and joys. All while sitting at home, and at no cost. This can be particularly useful, if you are unwell.
4. Intellectual stimulation. You want to fire your mind. Read up on your favourite topic – whatever it is. If it is reading. Many books are available for reading on the net without paying anything. Is it painting, sculpture, photography. Go to the best galleries and view the works of your favourite artists – paintings, sculptures photographs - -anything. One of the ladies once wanted to see the original Mona Lisa. You can see her. If fond of gardening, you can read up about how to rear plants of any variety etc. You can read almost any magazine on the internet without having to buy it – or any newspaper. Want to read Pakistani newspapers. They are there on the net and so are many US and UK newspapers.
5. Creative urge. Want to write stories, articles, poems or sing songs. You can do so on blog sites. You can comment on political happenings if you like to and you will be surprised at how many read what you have written, or hear your songs and comment on it. And you can make friends with others of the same interests without revealing your identity if you don’t want to.
6. An easier way to do many chores. Lastly you all must be knowing that you can do a lot of banking work on the internet- check your accounts, print out your statements, order cheque books, stop payment of cheques etc. You can pay most bills – electricity,telephone, mobile etc on line.

CONCLUSION; In conclusion, I would like to say that for a senior citizen, learning the use of a computer is not an option but a necessity. A computer empowers you to lead a fuller and more useful life. You may be surprised, after you start using computers.

Published by Jugrai Kahai and S.M.Khosla