Helping Older Adults Learn Computer Skills and Find Reliable Online Health Information
69Senior Learning
Resources
The U.S Department of Health and Human Services has published a tool kit to be used by trainers to teach older adults computer skills and how to find health information online. The tool kit contains lesson plans that include tips on working with older adult learners in a classroom, a curriculum to follow that can be modified for different skill levels, handouts, and promotional materials.
Whether you are planning to organize and conduct a senior learning event, or are looking for some tips for yourself or to help Mom or Dad, the website includes some valuable information. The featured websites have audio and video enhancements to assist older adults who have vision and hearing problems or difficulty reading.
The added benefit of having a class that isn't mentioned in the material, is that it provides an opportunity for seniors to socialize with other seniors in a structured activity and a positive setting. The access to health information could be motivation for some seniors to learn computer skills who wouldn't otherwise be inclined to learn. It might also be a way to help them better care for themselves, save on medical expenses, improve self esteem, and gain a sense of self efficacy.
Many community centers, YMCAs, schools, businesses, community colleges, and employment offices have classrooms with computers that are already being used for other purposes. Perhaps these could be made available to a senior group. There are many students looking for ideas for a school project, social service agencies looking for ways to promote wellness, activity directors looking for new activities, and retired teachers looking for a way to contribute to their community. Click on the links below to learn more about teaching a class on computer skills and online health information, or to find helpful websites with reliable health information for older adults.
Video
- Introducing the Toolkit
a video presentation introducing the tool kit
Lesson Plan and Training Tools
- NIHSeniorHealth: Toolkit for Trainers
Lesson Plan and Training Tools
NIH Senior Health Home Page
- NIHSeniorHealth Home Page
Welcome to NIHSeniorHealth. This easy-to-use website features basic health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health. Use the buttons at the top of each page to make the text bigger, change text color, or hear t
Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults
- NIHSeniorHealth: Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults - Table of contents
an example of a link from the NIH Senior Health homepage by clicking on "E" for "exercise."
Medline Plus Health Information
- MedlinePlus Health Information from the National Library of Medicine
Health Topics, Drugs and Supplements, Encyclopedia, Dictionary, News and More.
An Interactive Tutorial from Medline Plus
- X-Plain Patient Education Instructions
Exercising for a Healthy Life Tutorial
Computer Use and Exercise May Save Memory
- WebMD article on computer use, exercise and memory
Add some exercise to computer skills training as a way to save memory.
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Rom time to time, I "work" with seniors in my practice and many of them poo poo getting involved in cyberspace, etc., so this blog is a good resource for me and them. thanks
Thank You, Vern.
Hi Kim as I am part of the silver generation, baby boomer,graying society I thirst more for knowledge and being able to share with other seniors. I have taken up networking, internet marketing, blogging, emailing and much more. We are never to old to learn new things. Technology is galloping along and if us seniors lag behind we won't be able to keep up with that pace. Thank you for sharing this post, many of us still have our capacity to learn and be taught by the younger generation:0)
Thanks for stopping by for a read, Saddler. With all this information coming at us, I think we don't have much choice but to learn! And as much as we learn, there's still so much more to be learned! I do think it can be overwhelming for some. Best regards.
Hello kimh039,
Interesting topic. Over the years, I had the opportunity to work with seniors at a Long Term Care facility, teaching them computer skills. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. You have inspired me to write a hub on the topic...so it's definitely on my list of topics to write about. Thanks!
Easylearningweb
Thanks for stopping in to read and comment easylearningweb! I look forward to reading it when you get it written. Please be sure to share!
Thank you, for this inspiring hub. Thank you for helping others. I am a senior and I love helping others.
Thanks for reading and commenting sherry! Knowing how to help and when to help.....and when NOT to help is a skill in itself! I'm glad you found some inspiration here.
This is great info. Thanks!
Glad you like it RTalloni. Thank you!
Kim, thanks for the useful article.
Gus :-)))
Hi Gus! glad you enjoyed! and, thanks for reading and commenting.
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billyaustindillon Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago
An excellent help, society these days so easily forgets our seniors.