THOUGH older adults today didn’t grow up surfing the Internet or dialing up friends on mobile phones, advanced technologies such as these are proving to hold unlimited potential for helping seniors maintain social networks, gain access to information, monitor their health, and even remain in their homes longer as they age.

I’ve found, through research, that many older adults are very receptive to using technology, and learning about the many ways it can improve their lives. Yes! It’s not surprising to hear senior citizens converse about Facebook, Skype, Face time, etc. My grandmother (age 78) is a pro at using the Internet, making calls to England every day. I was very much happy to hear Hon. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds publicly state (while giving his address at E-Networks 10th anniversary dinner) that he uses WhatsApp to communicate with his grandchildren.
After having the opportunity to spend time with more than 20 different technologies with a group of older folks (aged 45-65), several devices were noted by the group to be particularly useful and practical for older adults in their communities. It was fun seeing one guy racing ‘need 4 speed’. “I always wanted to be a racer,” he said, his head moving in tune with the cars.
In some countries, many home monitoring programs are available that allow patients to keep track of their own vital signs, including blood pressure and blood-glucose levels. The data can be transmitted via phone or computer to a nurse on duty, who reviews the information and calls the patient if any readings seem out of line.
Though the Internet remains uncharted territory for many senior adults, this technological marvel holds vast potential for helping older adults gain access to information, and maintain social support that’s  vital to wellbeing as we age. Family connection and contribution are important, and younger family members can help seniors overcome their intimidation, and understand how technology can enhance their lives.
I now give you some benefits of Computer Usage for Senior Adults:

1. Keeping in touch with family members: Webcams, Instant Messaging, Skype, OoVoo and email simplify the process of staying in touch with friends and family members.  The best part is that many of these tools are free. Oh yeah!
2.  Improving motor skills and mental agility: Computer usage helps you stay sharp and mentally alert.  And let’s not forget… It’s also fun!
3.  Enhancing quality of life: According to a study, older adults who use computers report fewer depression symptoms than those who don’t use computers.
4.   Building confidence and promoting independence, knowing that you can function in technically dominant society: Computer knowledge is essential if you want to take full advantage of the available benefits.
5.  Shopping On-line: Purchase items for yourself or others without having to leave the comfort of your home, if so desirous.
6.  Paying household bills Online, and managing finances: No need to worry about missing payment dates, or getting those pesky bill reminders in the mailbox. This can be done, as long as you have a bank account, and sign up for web banking.
8. Interacting with your grandchildren via computer games you both enjoy: Having common interests with the younger generation is often a challenge.  Becoming computer savvy with the latest games will make you ‘super cool’ with the little ones. I often see my cha-cha (father’s brother) enjoying himself with his granddaughter playing educational games on the computer. By doing that, he, too, gets acquainted with technology.
10.  Planning trips and making travel arrangements: The Internet is a great source for finding the lowest fares to desired locations, and planning activities after you arrive.
11.  Researching health information and any other topics of interest: Internet tools, such as Google and Yahoo, have the potential to make everyone an expert on virtually any topic.
12. Reading the news or watching Internet television: Stay in touch with current events, or just relax while watching your favourite show with just a click of the mouse. All of Guyana’s news can be found on the Internet.

So, how can kids benefit from this? Kids can use the time to learn about their older folks’ past; how life was like when they were young or younger. It’s always interesting to know about the rice and sugar industries; the history of our rich culture and heritage.
Who can teach tech these days better than children? Kids are practically born with a wireless mouse in their hands. It starts in the early years with electronic educational games that teach them their numbers and colours, states and presidents.
Next, the family PC replaces these “toys.” By middle school, each child needs his or her own laptop. When kids hit the teen years it’s all about smartphones and tablets, complete with expensive data plans and unlimited texting.
While most of us still have nicer cars than our kids, our young technocrats are loaded to the gills when it comes to technology, and it’s all we can do to keep up. Much as we hate to admit it, our children are often more tech savvy than we are, and at times wehave to turn to them for help. Turns out, in addition to doing chores, teenagers have another useful purpose: to teach parents technology. So, kids don’t take your parents, grandparents for granted; they too are technologically inclined as you are.
Just because teens know so much about technology, it doesn’t mean they possess the judgment required to always use it wisely and safely. Parental support based on nurturing, providing guidance and the wisdom of experience will never be replaced by advances in technology.
Parents’ roles in their teens’ lives are more important than ever as they try to navigate their way through the pitfalls unique to the iGeneration. There are still a few things mom or dad can teach them, when it comes to their cyber welfare.