Silver Surfers - why you should use a computer How Silver Surfers can benefit from using a computer
Many older people, or silver surfers as they have become known, would like to start using a computer.  Two common questions my silver surfer clients (or potential silver surfers") ask me are these: "Why should I learn to use a computer?  What will I use it for?" Reason 1 - IT'S FUN Reason 2 - Ever felt the rest of the world, including your children and grandchildren, talk a language you don't understand?  Well, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.  Learning the basics of computing will help you understand that cyberspeak that they all seem to use. Just knowing how to use a mouse and turn on a computer will start to help you understand the technology that your grandchildren use and talk about all the time. Reason 3 - Online Shopping.  Once you have understood the basics of using the internet you will find a whole new world is opening up to you. Online shopping is just one example. Many older people start to find it is harder to get to the shops. You can order your groceries and other shopping online and it will be delivered to your door. This is a useful service if you are disabled or have a period of illness.  (I have ME and I've used it myself on many occasion.) No need to drag yourself round the shops when you want to buy a present.  Order it online.  You can ask for the goods to be delivered to you, so you can wrap them and deliver them personally or you can have the goods delivered directly to the recipient.  Some companies even offer a gift wrapping service. Reason 4 - Internet telephony. Keeping in touch with friends and family overseas is easy if you are a broadband user.  You can use internet telephony (sometimes known as VoIP - voice over internet protocol).  The most common internet telephony service is Skype.  You can download the software for free.  You just need a microphone and the speakers that come with your computer and you can talk to anyone anywhere in the world for free.  The person you are talking to also needs to have the Skype software installed on their computer.  If you buy a webcam your friends/family will also be able to see you.  If you have friends or family overseas this a great way to keep in touch.  You can see absent grandchildren growing up (if they don't have a webcam so you can see them too, then buy them one!) and they can see you. Reason 5 - Email. Many younger people seem to communicate entirely by email or text. If you don't use email it may seem that your family and friends no longer want to keep in touch with you.  If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.  Get yourself an emial address and magically your grandchildren and children will communicate with you again. Suddenly you'll go from old fogey to cool granny (or grandpa). Reason 6  - Many household bills can be paid online. Instead of writing cheques and having to find a post box, pay online and know that your bills have been settled.  Reason 7 - Internet banking. You can check your account balance any time with internet banking.  If you do use internet banking make sure you don't fall prey to scammers.  I have my internet banking account set so that I do not receive emails.  I know that all the, so called, bank emails I receive are scams, even if they do claim to come from my bank. (Your bank will NEVER send you an email telling you to reconfirm your details online.  If you get such an email it will be a scam.  If you are in any doubt at all, phone your bank.)
Reason 8 - Some older people find that their hands become stiffer and more shaky.  This can make it difficult to write. If this is happening to you, the word processor on your computer can be a godsend. The spelling checker will help you sort out all those typing mistakes and the computer won't get bored, it doesn't mind how long it takes you to type that letter. Reason 9 - A lot of older people enjoy playing games on their computers.  Windows XP and older has a selection of games built in. If you are a bridge or chess player, you can install software which will allow you to play on your computer.  If you are feeling adventurous you will find several sites on the internet which will allow you to play against real partners. If you enjoy playing bridge - this site is for you. www.nofearbridge.co.uk.  It is specially designed to be friendly and helpful (yes - it's run by a friend of mine). There are online quizzes and practice hands to play online.   Reason 10 - Make new friends online.  If you find it hard to get out and about you can use the internet to make friends from around the world.  There are several internet sites and chatrooms dedicated to silver surfers. Take the same precautions that you would tell your grandchildren to take and don't give out personal information unless you are 100% certain of who you are talking to.  But also remember that the vast majority of internet users are genuine people, just like yourself, looking to expand their horizons and make genuine friends. Reason 11 - If you have been widowed you might like to think about online dating.  I know this has a bad image for all sorts of reasons, but I personally know a few older people who have used online dating happily and successfully.  The internet gives you a chance to see your new friend and get to know something about each other in a safe environment, before meeting. If you are a mature person, don't be afraid of the computer. Go for it - have a go. The first time you talk to your grandchildren over the internet they will think you are the coolest grandparent on the planet. How much of a confidence booster is that?
(3 July 08)