moonwork42029

Guess I'm a minority here... We gave my Dad (now 81)our old computer several years ago because he kept falling asleep several times a day and was repeating the same stories over and over. He lives alone and we were afraid he was loosing touch.

We removed any and all traces of internet hookups and told him it wouldn't ever work for that. We know he is too trusting of what might be sent to him and did not want to take the chance of him being swindled by some scam or sweepstakes offers.

We did load it up with all types of card games, board games and word games, microsoft office and a few other things like world book and such.

He now spends hours each day on the computer playing checkers, cards and looking up different things in the world book. He quit repeating himself and taking naps within a few days and my sister and I both agree he is sharper than ever.

We don't want him to have the internet. We print off pictures to give to him and talk to him at least once (usually more) times a day. He wouldn't be able to afford the monthly fees and the convience doesn't outweigh the dangers we think he could come into.

Maybe we're old fashioned for wanting to protect him but that's okay too. IMHO

quilt crazee

my sister, who's 1.5 yrs YOUNGER than me refuses to get internet! Not only does she quilt, she does genealogy. Of all my sibs(6) she would probably benefit the most! TOO CHEAP!!-but not above using everyone elses'! She has a computer& printer, & EQ

martha jo

Many of my older friends can no longer see well enough to use a computer. Where is the compassion? Movement of figures on screen also cause small seizures in some people. Surely the use of a computer or email is not a requirement to enjoy our society.

MadQuilter

My mom refuses to get a computer. She is desperately holding on to the old ways (which - if those were really good ways, I could see it). She is trying to blackmail me into doing things her way. Well, that goes both ways coz I won't.

I understand that many things are handled on facebook. That is something I have no interest in and I realize that I cannot play along on anything "facebook" - it is a decision I made and live with.

As for an organization's communication, I think that common information needs to be made available for all the members. If that means sending a flyer by mail. Some members may not be able to afford the technology.

Deb G

As much as I enjoy using my computer/internet and the convenience of a cell phone I can understand how some people feel. Not everyone thinks these things are a necessary part of life, atleast not their life, and they feel some things shouldn't change. No one is going to stop progress. Progress is good but there will always be people that fight it.
There have been some good suggestions as to how to get info to those people. It might take more effort on the part of some but everyone will benefit from it.

Anna.425

I have worked for bosses who still have no idea about the internet.

I understand people that are hesitant. I am completely computer literate but often choose to unplug. I am not sure that technology has made our lives "better". It has made our lives more frenetic and has certainly separated families when kids spend their entire lives plugged in. You also never know, perhaps those guild members can't afford internet. In our neighborhood association we email most folks but also have about 20 families that don't use the internet so we deliver or mail the newsletters to them.

Pat G

While I'm not "younger" I'm not one to let the world slide by me. I was intimidated by the idea of computers for awhile until my Dr. told me to "get one" when I first retired. Said it would keep my mind active. Just look at what all I'd miss without one?
My feeling from my older friends who want nothing to do with computers is they feel they're too old or not smart enough to learn. They are really afraid of them. So I just respect how they feel.

yellowsnow55

Yes, I do think people should be catered for even if they reject e-mail. A lot of older people I know feel intimidated by computers and some can't afford them.

adrianlee

I have couple sisters and a brother who love computers and one sister who won't go near one. She is 55 years old and just won't learn. She can afford it easily but just won't even try. So it's snail mail and telephone.

craftymatt2

I don't think its fair, the cost can sometimes out way the need. I wouldn't want anyone to cater to me, but with that said, if i pay to belong to a guild and you can't call me because i don't have a computer, then there is something wrong with you, not me. Just because I choose not to have a computer and you find it an inconvience to call me or pass out a few extra papers, well what did we do before computers??? I couldn't treat people that way.