Dr Mel & the list
Although I was impressed with the names you chose for me I have now
discovered how to automatically sign my e-mails.
Your comments on the internet use and the infirm, elderly etc. provoke me to
question you and the list users on this subject. I have recently visited an
elderly lady (88 years) who suffers from quite debilitating OA. So severe is
her condition that she is now effectively house bound. Up until the age of
79 she was working full time in the clothing industry at a managerial level
but now finds she is cut off from almost all intellectual stimulation. Her
eye sight is failing so she cannot read as much as she once did. Her
children have bought her a typewriter which she says she can use and her
eyesight is not yet so bad that she cannot see the letters, but I imagine
this is a struggle for her.
While discussing her problems she told me she would love to use a computer
and get onto the internet, which she was aware of but had no working
knowledge, and could not afford one.
It struck me that there must be thousands of people like her, in similar
situations and this has sown an idea. With free internet access, recent
moves for free phone calls and rumblings of free computers in the near future
it seems that the only barriers to opening up the internet, and all its
benefits, to this group of people is logistics and training.
I envisage a charity which aquires computers (possibly second hand from
companies which have upgraded) and software, arranges internet link up, and
provides training and support. The trainers & support personnel could come
from any age group and would be volunteers. Perhaps an internet based support
service would run.
This would benefit all involved from the user, the volunteers and the whole
internet community. We are missing a vast wealth of experience & wisdom from
the older members of our society who could contribute.
I have no experience of running or setting up a charity and do not know of
any similar group. If you have any suggestions or contacts please contact me
either through the list or by personal e-mail.
Stewart Harrison
Physiotherapist
UK
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