Studies show three out of four Americans age 70 and older don’t have a computer, have never been on the Internet, and still receive family photos by snail mail.
Many seniors are scared to death of computers and want nothing to do with them. Others would like to try but fear they’d never be able to learn how to use a computer.
If your parents want to learn how to use a computer to communicate with family and friends via the Internet, the best thing you can do for them is to get them basic computer instruction.
You can probably provide the initial basic computer instruction as your parents learn how to use a computer. Beyond that, basic computer instruction is available through free online computer tutorials and also through lessons contained on discs that allow your parents to learn how to use a computer in private at their own pace. Getting your parents familiar with a free online computer tutorial will mean that once they get the basic computer instruction they need, they’ll feel comfortable moving on to more advanced computer tutorials.
You can find companies that produce and sell such instructional products by doing keyword searches online. Do an Internet search for the terms “learn how to use a computer,” “basic computer instruction” or “free online computer tutorial” and you’ll get long lists of opportunities to help your parents learn how to use a computer.
When your parents learn how to use a computer, it will be helpful for them to have a list of web site addresses, such as www.AARP.org, which offers basic computer instruction tips for seniors.
Before buying your parents a computer, you must ask yourself two very important questions:
- Are you patient enough to help them as they learn how to use a computer?
- Do you have time to spend with them while they learn how to use a computer?
Helping someone learn to use a computer is both time-consuming and frustrating. But, if you have the time and patience, helping your parents learn to use a computer can also be very rewarding. That is, if they want to learn how to use a computer.
You should ask your parents if they want to learn how to use a computer. Be sure they are willing to take some basic computer instruction from you. Some parents aren’t coachable. If your parents won’t take basic computer instruction from you, see if they would do a free online computer tutorial.
Keep in mind that how your parents plan to use a computer will dictate what kind of basic computer instruction they will need. It will also dictate what ancillary equipment (such as a printer) you will have to set up for them. The more equipment, the tougher it will be for your parents to learn how to use a computer.
Your parents might want to learn how to use a computer for various reasons. Perhaps they want to send and receive e-mail. Maybe they want to send, receive and print photos. If they pick it up quickly, they may decide to play games, listen to music, watch movies, or book travel arrangements. They might even want to learn how to use a computer so they can do video conferencing with the grandkids.
Knowing why your parents want to learn how to use a computer will help you determine which software programs the computer should contain and which free online computer tutorials they should do.
Keep in mind that it takes time to overcome fear of the unknown and to adjust to what seems like mind-boggling changes in technology. To learn how to use a computer, your parents will first have to overcome their fears.
If your parents are in their 70s, they probably lived frugal lives as a result of the Great Depression. When your parents close their eyes, they recollect a simpler time with a slower pace. If you want your parents to learn how to use a computer, basic computer instruction will make all the difference in the world.
