Posted by Peter Radsliff on Mon, Oct 19, 2009
[photo by PhotoDu.de used under the creative commons attribution license]
One of the more difficult discussions a child can have with their parent is when it is time to “take away the keys” because it’s unsafe for them to drive anymore. This is a emotionally charged issue. Not only does it signal a major change in lifestyle and independence, it also presents a difficult interpersonal situation for both parent and child. Here is a great article on the topic from geriatric expert Doctor Marion: [article]
But how about those other keys that may be bringing grandpa or grandma into a danger zone: the keys on their computer keyboard? Unlike the car, these keys don’t need to be taken away. But as he or she ages, they may need more help because of eyesight problems, arthritis, memory issues, or just the same issues we all deal with keeping our computers virus-free and running smoothly.
What I’ve done for the two elders in my life is get them each a Presto computerless email system in addition to their regular PCs. One of them wrote to tell me, “At first, I questioned the value of having another “gadget” in my house when I can already access emails on the computer. But I am here to tell you that at 86 years old, it is nice to have notes and pictures delivered to me with no effort on my part.” She went on to tell me, “I put the pictures on my coffee table or on the fridge. It gives me great pleasure to see them again and again throughout the day. I also love being able to carry them with me when I visit friends.”
When I asked how often she checked email, the answer I got was, “Once a week, or so.” When I asked if she ever printed out any photos that her six kids or 13 grandkids would email to her computer, she said, “No.”
If you’re a child of an elder loved one who is worried about them becoming lonely or disconnected from their broader family and friends, you may want to consider a computerless email system such as Presto as a supplement to their personal IT infrastructure. At least you’ll know that you can always get messages and photos to them, regardless of their PC’s condition, or their abilities.