Computers and high tech are increasingly being added to activity programs for senior citizens. For many years now, nursing homes, assisted care facilties, and senior centers have been gradually adding computer classes and groups, digital photography, computer games, and other high tech activities.
Traditional arts and crafts, such as woodworking, painting, fiber arts, knitting and crocheting, and creating unique handmade items will always be popular, but high tech acivities are being added to the activity schedule everywhere.
Since the mid-90's, when I worked in a skilled nursing facility, some of the residents had their own computers. The oldest person I have known who was learning computer skills was 97. I tutored her on internet surfing, and once she saw the live web cams for cities overseas she was fascinated and hooked on computers.
Playing computer games, such as checkers, chess, or card games, is a way many elderly seniors are engaging in mentally stimulating activity and enjoying a hobby. Exercising the mind this way is also helpful for preventing dementia and Alzheimer's.
I am an active volunteer at Central Coast Seniors Center, San Luis Obispo County, California, and we are continually adding computer activies to the schedule. The newsletter is available by email, the website has the weekly schedule, and seniors can also go to the website for interesting travel videos, slideshows, and links to other websites.
There is a huge community of aging seniors who create their own blogs and websites as well. A search for elders blogs, or seniors blogs will show the huge variety of their websites on the internet now.
Thus, web surfing, email, and online computer activities are joining traditional crafts as popular hobbies for aging seniors. The mental exercise is also a good way to help prevent dementia and Alzheimers.
