Carers, the Elderly, Disabled and the Internet
Considering how many people use the internet worldwide today it is a pity that not enough elderly people,
and those who are disabled, and their carers are not trained to benefit from it. It is a lifeline for a lot of people,
particularly those who are housebound or who live in outlying areas. In the UK many of the post offices are being closed and
too many services closed down because of cut backs and lack of government funding. Small businesses have had to close due to
the expansion of supermarkets and many disabled people particularly those who live on their own or in outlying areas find it
difficult to travel to even get groceries as transport is not always available.
There are many elderly and disabled people and also their carers who are virtually cut off or forgotten about. There are those
between the ages of 65yrs to 80yrs and older whose brains are still agile enough to learn and not only would their being able to
use a computer and the internet correctly improve their lives it would also keep their minds active, which in turn leads to physical
improvement in their health. There are some second hand computers available, some are donated and free but certainly by no means enough,
and a few facilities at some day centres with a little tuition available to help people. However this is not enough for some people who are
housebound, and it is difficult for many to even get to a days centre and that is if they are lucky enough to have one, would it not be
sensible to provide one to one tuition, or perhaps a group tuition, and provide it at the persons own home. There are lot of computer literate
young people these days that could help. It would then enable those who need it to have a lifeline, and friends, no worry about post office
closures, shopping could be done on line and delivered, no worry about transport and many opportunities and things of interest to keep the
brain active and healthy. It is a necessity for those who are vegetating and disintergrating due to lack of concern and money being spent
in areas in a non productive way. Relying on help in the community is not enough and this could be organised in a reasonable way if anyone
was bothered enough to do something about it.
There are many elderly people and others who are indeed afraid of learning how using a computer and the internet and are lacking in
confidence as to their ability, this is because of lack of encouragement and lack of support, all those who are elderly and disabled,
anyone who may not feel confident about their ability to learn and are afraid of the internet should be encouraged and helped, everyone
is capable of more than they think they are, they do not need to be pushed just supported and encouraged with understanding and given the
one to one tuition they need, although their progress may be a bit slower this does not prevent them from making it a success. Everything
worthwhile takes effort, the benefits however are enormous. Do not just hand them a second hand computer and expect them to get on with it
on their own by taking some online course without the support needed of a knowledgeable person present. Maybe someone in a position to
get things started will see the point and not allow so many people to be constantly ignored, and give more elderly people, the disabled
and their carers the chance to lead a fuller and happier life. The internet has opened doors to millions; it should be open for them too.
Please donate your old computers freely to the elderly and disabled and please find the relevant charity for the elderly and disabled who
will accept and distribute them.
I will be happy to put their links on if you send them to me.
Pamela Hall
