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Computer technology provides a senior the opportunity
to keep in touch with the times, to live synchronized with the younger generations. (Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis(L)'
- times are changed and we are changed in them) .
The Internet and online
service providers have opened the way for an electronic senior citizen community to develop nationally as well as internationally
through a wide range of news groups, discussion forums, and "live" chat rooms. These senior discussion groups focus on such
topics as politics, travel, health problems, housing, recreation, and music just to mention a few. There is even an online
support group for seniors who have lost partners. Many seniors maintain Web sites where their peers can contact public, private,
and not- for-profit agencies to obtain help with Social Security, legal, health, and senior-related problems quickly and authoritatively
(Thorne, 1996).
The acquisition of computer literacy is becoming a necessity as a result of technological pressures changing
ways people receive necessary services within our society. To function properly today and in the near future seniors will
be required to enhance their ability to use computers on the same scale as they currently use telephones.
Research shows that seniors are not only achieving computer literacy at the same rate as younger adults but also restoring
their math knowledge for tutoring their grandchildren.
In his wonderful
book "Regaining the power of youth at any age ", Dr Kenneth H. Cooper (M.D., M.P.H.,- the world renowned physician , the father
of aerobics and worldwide acknowledged leader in the field of preventive medicine and physical fitness ) writes: " Keep exercising,
both physically and mentally ! The more you use your brain to memorize, the more you stimulate those neurotransmitters,
synapses, and other chemicals and connections that enhance the mental process. Also, experts in the aging brain suggest that
vigorous exercise - especially endurance activities like jogging - will stimulate mental as well as physical functioning.
That was one of the recommendations from researchers at Harvard Medical School, the University of Massachusetts Medical College,
and other institutions gathered at a February 25,1997, conference in Fort Lauderdale."
..."The
power of the mind over the body begins to approach a peak as we exercise our creative powers effectively. In other words,
if you're tired, turn some creative outlet, and watch your energy levels be transformed. Perhaps the most effective way to
stymie your creative side is to become stalled in the acquisition of new skills. I highly recommend that, whenever possible,
you take advantage of expanding your knowledge -- especially your practical knowledge, which may launch a new avocation, or
make you more efficient in your choosen vocation. Here are a few cases in point-- music, computers, sports et.c"
I believe that for golden age computers and restoring some math knowledge online is for the mind the same as exercises
for the body ! Moreover , if considering also active tutoring your grandchildern or working with them together in this area
,it's more than personal creativity - it's well-being ! So, grandparents should practice the well known and effective
strategy :
LEARNING by DOING,
LEARNING by
TUTORING !
Voila-the real quin-tessence
of
the old Latin saying --
'DOCENDO --DISCIMUS'!
('Qui docet discit ')
By the way, I recommend to begin
practicing in 'Word-2000' , considering it as the best and shortest way to improve your experience
and go to other popular MSOFFICE applications . In order to facilitate to do that , I
prepared a 10-pages notebook :
" Wordprocessing Without Toil' .
There
are given the links
to it's essential simple
tips :
Why is word-processing so important?
How to begin your work with a document?
Scrolling -- what is it ?
When we use the command 'Save as'?
Are the WORD's files WEB-ENABLED ?
What is the 'Select-Then-Do'methodology ?
How to MOVE and COPY text?
Inserting and Deleting text-- is it agonizing for you?
How to make your pages stand out ?
How to change the page margins ?
Please get in touch
with
any comments
or reactions to my site.
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