Why are so many people in the later stages of life still resistant to using
computers? In discussions with varieties of people, this writer found several
common threads.
Jim Kuth, a retired public interest lawyer, in Cleveland actually uses an old computer -- the Kaypro 1, which is very limited in capability. A year ago, one of his seven children gave him an up-to-date machine. But, alas, he was not able to use it. All he wanted to do was write plays in an easier way than the Kaypro allowed him to do. So he bought a book that was supposed to simplify the use of the Windows 95 machine. It was of no help to him.
Kuth tried to work on the new computer for a couple of months, and then, discouraged and frustrated, he just gave up. He decided that at his age (he never tells his age!) and state of health (serious heart troubles), he wants to enjoy what he does -- not struggle with it. And emailing his children and grandchildren didn't interest him as long as he has the telephone and periodic visits. Kuth does not want to be contacted, but if you have a message for him, email it to me and I'll pass it along. My email is AcornTWoak@aol.com.
A different situation faces a publisher friend of mine, who wants to be nameless at the present time. Therefore, we'll call him George. In his office, George uses the computer for essential business purposes only. But his home computer is always turned off. This is a case of a man's preference for other activities and not enough time or energy for everything.
George is an avid exerciser. He runs, he gets on his stationary bike, he lifts weights, he walks several miles to and from his office --- every day. And since his day starts early and all of the exercise takes at least several hours, how can he be interested in sitting at a computer, even to write poetry or his own delightful children's books or to do email? And fortunately, George's four children call him practically every night, another happy activity that takes time. If you want a catalogue from this publisher, please email me and I'll ask him if he has one available. George doesn't want to be called or emailed. (I have found that this desire for anonymity in terms of strangers is a fairly common reaction of older people, men and women.)
Gene and Blanche Morris have a different circumstance. Gene, 90, a semi-retired real estate lawyer, is also, like George, interested in everything except the computer. His day is taken up with two hours of reading the New York Times, several hours of walking, teaching a course at NYU, consulting in the legal field, going to the theatre, and who has time for a computer? But Blanche Morris, an 85-year-old who looks 20 years younger, is interested in learning about the computer and the Internet. As a result, her 21-year-old grandson, Elliot Gordon Funke, an expert in the field, built a Windows 95 computer and tried to show Gene and Blanche how to use it. But the Morris's didn't remember a thing from one day to the next and so the computer sat for 7 months without either of them using it at all.
However, Gene's son now has a very active web site, Vote.com, and Gene wants to see what's going on. This writer recommended a superb consultant/tutor to them, Robert Casel. (If you want to reach him, his email is rcasel@att.net or you can call him at 212-799-2778.) Gene and Blanche were thrilled with the way that Robert was teaching them how to make use of the machine.
Gene still wants to limit what he does with the computer to just finding out what is happening on his son's site, but Blanche wants to handle financial matters through the computerized systems as well as email, research and anything else interesting. Gene may soon find other values to the computer, also. Just today he asked me what the 16th Amendment to the Constitution was about since he had forgotten it. I never knew this fact, but volunteered to find out. My Encyclopedia Britannica was no help; neither was a large two-volume history of the United States. But the magnificent Internet yielded an answer immediately just by typing into the search window of Netscape "Amendments to the U.S. Constitution."
Gene was suitably impressed!
The reasons why older people are less likely to be interested in the computer are varied. Surveys are one thing, but people are another. And when you talk with people more than just asking a question, you find their individuality shines through. Just in these examples, three variations came up: a) an inadequate system of learning how, b) time-consuming other life interests, and c) lack of knowledge about the many useful aspects of living life with an up-to-date computer.
Further, lots of seniors are fearful of all sorts of possibilities: that nefarious people can find out who they are, that the machine can spread viruses (!), that the computer gives off too much radiation, that they will lose control of their money through a banking program and on and on into the stratosphere of anti-computer excuses. One of the most common that I hear is that: "I don't need it, I'd rather read a book," as if the two activities are mutually exclusive! Also, reading an electronic book causes some to shudder. Mostly, these older-age opposers to the computer don't realize that this invention is similar to the discovery of fire or the invention of the wheel. The computer is even better as a creative, enabling and life- enhancing tool.
In a later column, we'll discuss the best ways to get trained in the use of a computer and the Internet.
This month, I want to tell you about CardScan. A small machine that connects to your computer, it serves to store business cards people may give to you - without your needing to do much of anything. If you collect any cards from associates or new acquaintances, as many of us do, you can throw your wheeldex or address book away and simply turn on CardScan, put a card in a slot and the card slides through getting scanned onto your hard drive as it goes. You also don't have to decide where to put a card, unless you like to categorize people's names or businesses. The machine does everything for you except categorize and you can divide cards into different categories yourself.
Over the last five or six years, I've tried other methods of getting cards or just names and addresses onto the computer's hard drive. These other methods were all complicated. But CardScan is not. You can even type in a name, address, etc. in case you don't have a card for that person or business. Best of all, from my point of view, the scanned in cards can be exported into Microsoft Outlook if you are using that program as a database for names and numbers. And you can send Outlook data back to CardScan!
Any problems? Oh yes, as with almost everything else except a perfect rose. a rainbow, a sunset or a perfect baby, CardScan does have a problem. The scanned in card sometimes leaves off the name or other data, and you have to key this in by hand. A true hardship, of course! CardScan, which also has its own software to install, retails for: $250.00. You can reach the company by calling 800-942-6739. The company's online address, or URL, is: http://www.CardScan.com.
@ Copyright 1999 Shirley Camper Soman