Advantages of the Internet for the elderly

| More and more older people are taking to the Internet, in many cases motivated by the youngest members of the family, in an attempt to keep up with technological developments. But it also serves as a tool to remain physically and socially active.

The topic of the grandfather who is e gives him a mobile and never learns to use it every time it is more that, a topic. Every day we discover older people who use, take advantage and enjoy the advantages of computers and the Internet. In fact, it provides them with:

• A means of training
• Interact with other people
• Be informed despite possible physical mobility limitations.
• Increases their autonomy and self-esteem
• Promotes family and intergenerational relationships, regardless of distance or hours
• Activates the language, reading, and vision centers, improving their functionality.

Information technology and the internet allow the elderly to be part of a society in which it is constantly evolving. Not surprisingly, the first approach of older people to the internet is the need to maintain closer contact with their children or grandchildren who have moved to other cities or countries.

Obstacles and difficulties in learning to use the internet

The advantages of using information technology and new communication technologies are not only limited to the social aspect, but also to the physical one. However there are a number of obstacles that can make it difficult for older people to access this technology. The main impediment is the high price of the devices and internet fees. For this reason, the older Internet user generally has a higher income level than other non-computerized older people or they enjoy the new technologies provided by the younger members of their environment. Especially motivated individuals can turn to civic centers or public libraries. We will see this increase in the use of computers and Internet browsing by the elderly in part due to the greater environmental exposure (more and more things are being done online) and due to the favorable comments from user friends. The only thing that is needed for this use to be maintained are accessories and friendly programs that understand the needs of the elderly, and that the economic expense involved is moderated.

What you should know:

• Information technology and the Internet allow the elderly to form part of a society that is constantly evolving; increases their autonomy and self-esteem.
• The mobility of family members for work or studies is one of the reasons for losing fear of the computer and the internet.
• Regular web surfing has been proven to activate language, reading, memory, and vision centers.