By Suzanne Schmidt
Staff Writer
ZEPHYRHILLS—For many seniors navigating a computer can be very tricky, which is why the Pasco County Library System is offering many classes geared towards technology.
Dotty Chandler, branch manager at New River Library in Zephyrhills, teaches classes for seniors where they learn how to use e-mail, work with programs like Skype and manage files.
“Not only does it keep seniors connected, it also keeps the brain active,” Chandler said. “It is great for keeping seniors connected with friends and family using programs like Skype. That is really nice because then they can stay connected and they can see their grandchild grow up. Also they can go on and access Web sites for news or for medical information.”
Ellen Ball, of Zephyrhills, said she has learned something in every computer class she has taken so far at New River Library.
“I think these classes are great for seniors because we haven’t grown up with computers like our grandchildren have,” Ball said. “It keeps us from getting too far behind in the world.”
Niles Ball, her husband, said the skills he is learning are helping him feel freer with computers.
“I learned how to get on-line with my broadband,” Ball said. “It is great because now I know how to get on the Internet when I am out places like at the library. I am now more free to go out places and use my laptop.”
Fred Olive, of Zephyrhills, said he has been enjoying the classes so much; he keeps coming back for more.
“Before I was taking these classes, I had no clue how to use my e-mail,” Olive said. “I learned today how to categorize emails and how to attach files to an e-mail. It helps me to communicate with my children and grandchildren.”
Isabelle Featherston, reference and teen librarian at New River Library, said it is important for seniors to learn how to use computers for many reasons.
“There is a huge need for older adults to learn the computer when you combine the fact that most of government benefits sites and Medicare are on-line now,” Featherston said. “If you can’t use the Internet, then you are at a distinct disadvantage. The computer is not just for fun anymore.”
Through her Internet for seniors class, Featherston teaches seniors why the Internet is something they need.
“We start by talking about the basic things they can do like using e-mail, Facebook and Scype,” Featherston said. “We also teach them about Web sites for older adults like the National Institute for Health site and the Medline Plus site which has information on everything from the Mayo Clinic to the CDC to the American Medical Association.”
In addition to learning about the Web sites offering information on benefits from the government and non-profit groups, seniors can also learn about some of the things they can do for fun like keeping in touch with their children and grandchildren.
“The Internet is great for contacting family and friends and it has other great uses as well,” Featherston said. “If you don’t have cable T.V., you can go on Hulu and find a lot of current shows as well as old shows that you can’t find anywhere else. It is also great for finding discounts on travel, investigating hobbies and touring places using Google Satellite.”
Even though Featherston encourages seniors to get on the computer and look around, she said it is also important for them to be safe which is why the New River Library will have a free Seniors’ Crime Forum Jan. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas will offer the program with guest speakers Jody Ferguson-Hensler, Richard Zutell, David Dewey, Little Horatio, Kathy Cornwell and Jane Occiollini. Topics discussed will include SHINE, Medicare fraud, free victim services, free 911 cell phones, free fingerprinting and The National Family Caregiver Support Program. For more information, visit pclsseniors.blogspot.com or visit New River Library’s blog pclsnewriverlibrary.blogspot.com.
The Pasco County Library System also offers a variety of technology classes for seniors, for more information, call (813) 788-6375 or visit pclsseniors.blogspot.com.
