March 17, 2022 general

I thought that this linked article was interesting.  It discusses medical alerts, fitness trackers, and smart home devices such as thermostats and security. Although the author frames the discussion around senior needs, the information is likely useful to others—certainly to someone with an aging parent, but really to anyone.

Computer? I am often frustrated and distressed when I talk with seniors who do not have internet access. (Oh my, how can they watch cat videos or go to Facebook to see what the family is up to?)  Some seem to take pride in “being old school” and rejecting technology. Some of that is smart. (Do we really need our refrigerator to make our grocery list? And, sometimes I want to dropkick mine because I’ve taken on too much.) On the other hand those folks are missing out on things that would bring them connection, joy, money savings, and even improve their health. That is the topic of this week’s blog. If you are reading this newsletter, you are probably not tech-adverse, but I’ll bet you know someone who would benefit from this information.

Seriously, the internet is such a great way to keep from being isolated and there is so much useful information available—for example in the HBN library (at HBNshow.com) and our newsletter. Some of this can be done on a tablet, or even a smart phone, but the images are small and grandma would probably still need help with them and arranging for and setting up Wi-Fi. Even if a family member prints out the newsletter for an elderly friend or relative, they usually contain internet links to more information.

We gave my mom a computer when she was 80 years old and she learned enough to get a lot of benefit. However, she did get frustrated with the whole windows concept. My brother Jim and I got calls occasionally that “the computer just up and did so and so”. [We knew that she had inadvertently done it herself, but we were patient because she was trying so hard.] Mom ended up using WebTV for email but it wasn’t the greatest. Some folks go to the library and use their computers, but that is a hassle.

I sure wish I had known then what I know now about a computer designed specifically for seniors (or any age person with no tech familiarity). I’ve seen ads for the brand WOW computers and decided to investigate them. This linked website contains a very useful 3^rd party independent video of a review with explanations, pros and cons. It is reassuring that the WOW computer cannot download malware and there is a nifty utility that allows a trusted contact to access the computer and address any questions or problems. There are various price options available and I would have been excited to get my brothers to go in with me to buy the best one for Mom.