For many people over 70 — or maybe even 65 — Twitter and Skype might seem like foreign languages, and iPads and smartphones might as well be devices from another planet.
But the truth is there are a number of technology solutions that seniors should know about, because these new and even not-so-new technologies really can help them communicate with their children and grandchildren.
As founder of a company that, among other things, helps seniors learn about computers and technology, I have put many seniors on the route to smooth intergenerational communication. Often it requires only a small tweak or the purchase of a high-tech device specially made for seniors (yes, they do exist).
To kick off this occasional feature in j., I will field some questions from people who are searching for better ways to communicate with their parents and grandparents.
Q: I’m pregnant with a boy and due in a couple of months. I’m very close to my grandmother and would love for her to be at the brit, but she’s not physically strong enough to attend. Technology seems to make everything possible — so what can I use or implement so that my grandmother can “remote” into the lifecycle ritual?
A: I’d recommend getting your grandmother an Asus videophone, which retails for about $200 and makes using Skype a snap, even for the tech-challenged
The touch-screen device can stream Skype, which allows one to make video calls for free. Your grandmother also will need an Internet connection.
Materials you’ll need at the brit: A web camera and an Internet-connected laptop. By connecting the camera to the laptop with a USB cable, you can broadcast the brit from the external video camera through Skype.
Meanwhile, your grandmother can sit in the comfort of her assisted living facility an see you bless her great-grandson — all while watching a 7-inch screen.
Q: My son accepted a new job and moved to New York in January. He hasn’t spoken to my father (his grandfather) since he left San Francisco. This isn’t because he doesn’t care, but because he almost exclusively communicates with family via cellphone, email and text — none of which my father has access to. Even if my son were to call, my father can’t hear that well and when my son calls on his cell phone, my father can’t make out anything. I don’t want them to drift apart. Is there a way they can connect and would be easy for them both?
A: You’re not alone. Many of the seniors we work with feel estranged from their grandchildren because their technological know-how (or lack thereof) is of a different era. This is unfortunate because there are solutions.
If your father isn’t open to learning how to use a computer, my best advice would be to consider purchasing him a Presto, a simple printer-like device that allows people to send email to those who don’t use a computer.
With Presto, your son — and anyone in your family — would send emails and photographs to your father, and that communication would be sent via a telephone line to the Presto, converted into a letter and printed out in color for your father. No Internet connection is needed, and no email address or account needs to be set up. Also, font size and printing times can be programmed online by you, your son or another relative.
The device costs about $100 and requires a monthly fee of $15. It requires almost no maintenance from your father and will allow your son to simply send an email to his grandpa.
Ben Lewis is the founder of Engage As You Age, which provides meaningful companionship to homebound or isolated seniors in the Bay Area and computer help for seniors. Send questions to [email protected] or call (415) 690-6944. For more information, visit www.engageasyouage.com.