Hope you don't mind me telling you this story:
Last Thursday at the age of 98 one of our participants died. I would like to tell you the story of my association with him.
XXX came to me at the age of 94 to ask if he was too old to use a computer. He could type, but the typewriter was a little difficult these days for his arthritic hands. XXX had a son overseas and the son was his only blood relative. He had no family in Australia.
Over the next year XXX learnt to use the computer, learning how to use word processing and even how to put photo's in his letters to his son. After about a year he asked if I thought he could use email, so we set out to show him how to use email and the internet.
For some time he sent his son a daily email to let him know that he was ok, and really appreciated the daily contact with his son.
One day I was talking to him about chat groups and he asked us to teach him. XXX was a regular on our chat group until he mastered the skill, then he went off to find other chat groups that reflected his interest.
For some time I didn't hear from XXX and so one day I dropped in after work to see how he was. In the course of conversation I asked him if he used his computer much.
"Oh Margaret, the computer is my life blood. Every morning on the way to the toilet I switch it on. When I come back I check my email and then chat to friends for about an hour. Then I get off and do my chores for the day. Later, about 4 pm I get on again and chat until about 8pm when I go to bed. If I didn't have the computer I wouldn't talk to anyone."
XXX was getting all his socialisation from the computer except for the health professionals visiting his home. He was extreemely frail and had serious health problems, but the computer stopped him from being lonely.
Some time ago XXX moved into a nursing home. All he was worried about was whether the home would allow him to take the computer in and get on the internet. He didn't want to be cut off from his friends from all over the world.
Technology can work for older people if only we will give them access and the skills to use it.
I will always remember this lovely man fondly.
Margaret
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The Skylarkers 60 and Better Program is a community development program operating with some financial assistance from Queensland Health and Forest Place Retirement Village. Co-ordinator and Community Development Professional - Margaret Redsell 33879 0046