Bringing the computer to the elderly

          The Eldy Logo

Our nation is constantly moving forward technologically. Most would agree that the youth of today are more tech-savy than many adults. Everything we do now-a-days seems to involve a computer element in one way or another. Unfortunately, the elderly are being left behind. A 2004 report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project reported that approximately 22% of American adults age 65 and older have access to the Internet (http://www.jmir.org/2005/2/e19#ref2). That leaves about 78% without any kind of technological access.

Computers and the Internet can seem intimidating to someone who was raised in an age that didn't use them. Many seniors won't touch a computer because of feelings of inadequacy. Couple that with the learning difficulties that aging and/or health problems can bring, and they can feel even more apprehensive. Yet, there is so much computers and the Internet can do to enrich their lives, what can be done to bridge this digital divide?

I'd like to introduce you to Eldy. Eldy was developed by an Italian non-profit organization to help the elderly become more self-sufficient in using PCs and the web. Their website states, "Eldy lets seniors use computers and enjoy the Internet revolution, by providing a software that allows easy access to all the most important functions: e-mail (any pop3/imap account), chat, Web browsing, weather, text editor, streaming and a lot more."

The software is free to download and runs on Windows and Linux. The website doesn't list what versions of Windows it runs under, but I downloaded it for Windows XP and it ran fine. A Macintosh version is in the works, but there is no definite word on when it will be released. The Windows version downloaded at a little over 43 megabytes and needed about 103 megabytes of hard drive space to install. It comes in the following languages: English, Italian, Catalan, French, German, Spanish, and Mexican Spanish; with partial translations of Dutch, Hungarian, and Serbian.

There is a setup wizard that guides both beginners and more advanced users in setting up their computers to work with Eldy. Once installed, you'll find the desktop simple and easy to understand with large fonts and mouse arrow to aid those with sight difficuties.

This is the Square:

As the Eldy site explains, "From the Square you can:

• use your e-mail (mail)
• browse the internet (walk in internet)
• create and edit your profile (my profile)
• chat with friends, relatives or other users online (chat)
• watch videos (eldy tv)
• write documents, watch pictures, know the weather forecast and use Skype (useful)
• have access to the "help" area where you can change your settings and play easy games (help)"

Eldy suggests that you just don't download the software and hand it to your senior. They say it is best for you to learn it first and then teach them. Also, there is no technical support, but there is an online help section at http://eldy.info/helpen/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26.

For more information, please visit the following sites:
http://eldy.eu
http://linuxforelderly.wordpress.com

For more information on helping the elderly become more comfortable with computers, you will find these sites as good starting points:
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Sheridan7.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2362466_help-elderly-become-comfortable-computers.html