Why Can't Computers Age With

New England Regional Edition tute for Learning in Retirement, where she teaches an advanced course on research and the Internet and has distrib- uted custom-made disks that list the best libraries, websites, and other on-line resources for scholarship. She will soon run a workshop for other HILR teachers on how to download artwork for the fall art courses. “The prospect of taking the images o≠ the Internet was met with great glee,” she reports, because it is “not always easy for older people even to get to the art library or bookstore, to cope with park- ing, or to return library items on time.” Leondar is an unwitting member of a select group. About 19 percent of people age 65 and older have access to and use the Internet, according to data collected in March for the Washington-based Pew In- ternet & American Life Project, funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Because many seniors log on just to use e-mail and to stay more connected with family members, an even smaller number have ex- plored leading-edge software or conducted research, like Leondar. The study Why Can’t Computers Age With Us? also found, perhaps not surprisingly, that “the more active, wealthy, and educated by Nell Porter Brown seniors are the most likely to go on-line,” says Susannah Fox, director of research arbara leondar, Ed.D. ’68, never that I took my first class. Then I began to for the project. “Those ‘fervent few’ are a used computers at work. E-mail was see what was available on the Internet.” It small group that really, really love it.” virtually nonexistent when she re- was the inventory at the Internet Public Many of those “early adopters” (who Btired in 1991, as were personal com- Library that most fascinated her, the took computer courses when they first puters in the office. “I was also fortunate shelves upon shelves of books available at began to be o≠ered in the 1990s) “have enough to have a first-rate secretary, so I her fingertips, right at home. She also taken the technology and run with it,” says didn’t need to acquaint myself with the found English-language newspapers from Carol Greenfield, S.M. ’71, founder and technology,” explains Leondar, the former around the world and “visited” exhibits at president of Senior Web Solutions, in president of the University of Maine at museums—“instead of having to trudge Newton, Massachusetts, a computer-edu- Fort Kent. “It was not until after I retired through the snow to get there,” she adds. cation and -support company that focuses “It opened up a whole new world for me.” on those over age 60. Something of a gap Carol Greenfield and David Arnold discuss how to enhance digital images on These days the 75-year-old is something has developed between seniors who are his home computer. of a resident expert at the Harvard Insti- comfortable with the new technology and Photograph by Jim Harrison Harvard Magazine 28A Reprinted from Harvard Magazine. For copyright and reprint information, contact Harvard Magazine, Inc. at www.harvardmagazine.com NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL EDITION those who believe the computer age has become more home-bound as they age. It’s increasing hearing deficiency,” the nearly passed them by. “What I’ve been finding in never too late to get on-line.” In a survey 89-year-old Densen e-mailed this inter- the last couple of months in talking to the her company conducted with Simmons viewer. “I dragged my heels because I people who run these basic computer- College alumnae, she found that the pri- found all the di≠erent choices and training programs is that enrollment is mary reason those elders began to use a di≠erent languages confusing and the down,” Greenfield explains. “Does that computer was to “overcome fear of exclu- mouse not easy to use.” But the technology mean seniors are not embracing technol- sion.” They want to communicate with “has brought the family closer together, ogy? No. It means that the initial wave, the grandchildren and relatives and with and made contact with friends more fre- early adopters, have already gotten through peers who have learned the new technol- quent,” he adds (and triggered a continu- the basic training and are moving on.” ogy—really a new language. “Basically we ous avalanche of junk e-mail, which he The rest of the over-65 population is not have a new dictionary now— ‘Point, click, detests). He occasionally shops for books exploring computer technology as readily, connect’—and many older people don’t on-line or looks for travel opportunities, for a variety of reasons—fear of learning know what we are talking about,” Green- although he misses “the personal touch.” something so new, financial constraints, field adds. “There is pressure from peers The local historical society, of which he is lack of exposure to computers or training, or family members to learn it.” treasurer, recently bought a computer and poorly designed interfaces, or, simply, per- She helped her own friend and mentor, a friend has been showing him how to use sonal disinterest. Some of those aged 75 former Harvard School of Public Health the machine to speed mailings to society and older probably don’t realize how e- professor Paul Densen, of New Hampshire, members. “I have a long way to go on mail and the Internet could help them feel set up an e-mail account through MSN TV this,” Densen reports. “But if I use it often more connected to other people and activ- (formerly Web TV) that enables him to enough, I will feel more comfortable with ities. “They tend to think, ‘It’s not for me, view and use the system through the tele- it. Practice, practice, practice.” I’m too old, what do I need it for?’” Green- vision, instead of a computer. “My children field says. “We try to help them see that it had been urging me for some time to get a with the explosion of interest in the is advantageous to cross the digital divide. computer, because they found it di∞cult World Wide Web (commonly dated to There is a real need, especially as people to communicate by telephone due to my the introduction of consumer-friendly One word says it best... There’s a refreshing,“welcome” atmosphere that surrounds Stonington and Mystic. The area embraces you with its quaint charm and old-fashioned, neighborly appeal. Now,a local retirement community,called StoneRidge, promises future residents Call now for the an equally comfortable feeling of warmth and an inviting sense of belonging. best choice of StoneRidge will offer many advantages for an enhanced lifestyle, filled with apartment floor interesting activities, as well as the security of on-site health care. plans and prices. You will also have the benefit of peer companionship and the support of a courteous, Where well-trained staff, who will provide a range of happiness personal services from weekly housekeeping and flat laundry to maintenance, lawn care and is choosing scheduled transportation. your own For additional information, call (860) 572-4494. direction You’ll be surprised to discover just how welcome and at home StoneRidge will make you feel! The StoneRidge Information Center: 12 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355 (860) 572-4494 • Fax: (860) 536-6443 Developed and managed by Life Care Services LLC 33253 28B July - August 2002 Reprinted from Harvard Magazine. For copyright and reprint information, contact Harvard Magazine, Inc. at www.harvardmagazine.com Reg-final 6/4/02 11:15 AM Page 28C NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL EDITION browsers in 1994), basic computer-train- to government and community resources. fered along with housekeeping, trans- ing courses flourished. SeniorNet, a non- Because there is also a socioeconomic di- portation, and assisted-living services; the profit California company, began ac- vide in computer use, she stresses that group has gained attention as a national quainting elders with computers as early such programs—and support from well- model for “aging in place” with grace. as 1986, and now operates 250 learning trained sta≠—should also be available in Thus far, the cyber services provided by centers nationwide (sta≠ed primarily by public venues such as libraries. She points, Greenfield and her business partner, Len elderly volunteers, including former IBM as an example, to SeniorNavigator (the Heier, have included aiding a woman who employees), as well as on-line communi- brainchild of Virginia governor Mark R. received a computer from her son, opened ties in every state and 500 active discus- Warner, J.D. ’80), which provides elders the box, and did not know how to plug the sion groups. The topic “World War II and their families with 18,000 statewide machine in or turn it on, and setting up a memories,” for example, has 23 di≠erent resources for health, legal, financial, and home o∞ce for a recently retired woman roundtable discussion groups. The residential information and links to 7,000 eager to start a new business. “So many of Philadelphia-based, nonprofit Genera- trained volunteers who help seniors ac- these older people who did use computers tions on Line is aimed at the large senior cess computerized information in public at work had an IT [information technol- population that cannot a≠ord, or chooses settings. Greenfield is working to develop ogy] sta≠ to solve problems,” Greenfield not, to go on-line by selling low-cost, spe- a similar program in Massachusetts. says. “Then they get home and they don’t cialized instructional software to senior This spring in Boston, Senior Web Solu- know how to get equipment, what to get, communities, where patrons can use it for tions began o≠ering “cyber concierge ser- how to use it or fix it.

Load more