Seniors and the Internet

Learning to use the Internet can help seniors to stay more connected to their friends and loved ones. It can be a nice hobby for those with a lot of free time. And learning something new can give the senior a great sense of pride and accomplishment. However, many seniors do not see a reason why they should learn to use the Internet, and may need encouragement to do so.

There are various ways that seniors can learn how to use the Internet:
• Classes- These may be found at community colleges or senior centers. There are often classes geared toward seniors and generally charge a very low fee.
• Grandchildren- They often have the most knowledge about computers and can be surprisingly patient with their grandparents.
• “Dummies” books about computers- Easy to read and understand.
• Experimentation- Seniors will likely benefit from some simple instruction, and time to play around and explore the computer on their own.
• Explanation of the basic parts: a) websites and servers; b) email: how to send, open, and use the address book and attachments; and c) web browser and getting from website to website
• Allow time for questions from the senior, to ask about anything they don’t understand

Be sure to tailor the instruction to the senior’s experiences and interests, and show them how they can use the Internet to stay connected and to find out more about their hobbies & interests.

Some notes on Safety on the Internet are also important:
1. Never click on a link sent to you by someone you don’t know
2. Never respond to an email asking for personal or account information
3. Don’t believe that someone you don’t know is going to give you money. Especially beware if an email asks you to “help transfer funds” or “help transfer your prize money”. These are scams.
4. Also be cautious about filling out online quizzes or surveys; the information can be shared by many companies and can have negative consequences (ex. Making it harder to get insurance).

The Internet can be a fun and useful tool for seniors. While it takes some effort to learn something new, many seniors have done just that and are pleased with what they have accomplished and what they are now able to do. Keep the learning sessions fun and give the senior plenty of time to practice. Using the Internet (safely) is a great way to expand our loved one’s interests and broaden their world.

For more information on Senior Helpers and to find out more about local in-home care services, visit www.seniorhelpers.com/wheaton or www.SeniorCareDupage.com