Computer training for Pittsburgh Seniors

October 19, 4:24 PMPittsburgh Elder Care ExaminerDavid Lindberg

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The Internet has become a household word as nearly every advertisement on television makes mention of their Internet website. Hearing, "You can check us out on the web at www....." has made even the elderly aware of the Internet's existence.

For many years, seniors looked at computers as something that younger people use. Many seniors still think this, and maintain a distrust as they hear so much bad news associated with misuse of the Internet.

Still, as advertising does with so many things in our country, the constant repetition eventually makes people just become more used to the sound of certain things and some of the fear subsides. Data does show that Baby Boomers and even their parents are becoming more and more curious, as they hear from their peers about how useful computers and the Internet can be. Stories spread about how seniors use email to send pictures and stay in closer contact with their children who live to far away. They also become more trusting when they see celebrities and others that they trust speak about the things you can find on the Internet. If Martha Stewart tells them to look at something on the Internet, they will tend to look at it as a "good thing".

There may be more interest and curiosity, but the fears can still be quite prevalent. Even as seniors hear the bombardment of talk on the TV about the Internet, they do not know what to do or how to go about looking for help and training.

Many libraries and even senior centers may have computer training, but this still may not be enough as most seniors need longer, one-on-one mentoring and support.

There is a great new organization that fills this void called Silver Scholars, Computer Classes for Boomers and Beyond. They usually provide computer training through other connections such as Senior Centers and other community related organizations. Many of these provide computer classes to everyone regardless of income or ability to travel. These classes can even be in the home.

For more information: See Silverscholars.com or contact them at: