Computer classes for older adults

If you’re looking for a little help becoming computer savvy, here are a few possible resources:

• Check your local community colleges to see if computer classes for older adults are offered.

• Contact local adult education centers (usually located at local high schools) and see if computer classes are offered.

• Visit the local library. Librarians can usually help older adults find classes within the community and also offer free use of a computer if you don’t have one at home.

• AgeWise Connection (404-463-3333) provides a list of local computer and educational classes for seniors.

• Online campuses, such as Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com), offer older adults a chance to learn computers from their own home for a small subscription fee.

• Oasis (www.oasisnet.org), a nonprofit educational organization for older adults, and Shepherd Centers (www.shepherdcenters.org), community learning and serving centers for older adults, offer computer classes for older adults.

• Consider a lifelong learning program at Lifelong Learning Institute (www.elderhostel.org/ein/intro.asp)

Source: Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of “Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years” www.learninglater.com

SITES FOR SENIORS

After learning the basics of e-mail and searching the Internet, author Nancy Merz Nordstrom advises seniors to start using the computer on a daily basis: e-mailing grandkids and legislators or researching health information and online courses. And to educate themselves by checking out some fun and informative sites aimed at them. Here are a few:

• www.aarp.org: Formerly American Association of Retired People.

• www.asaging.org: American Society on Aging.

• www.seniors.gov: Links to government content such as consumer protection, retirement and tax assistance.

• www.seniordiscounts.com: A listing of senior-related discounts for goods and services.

• www.webwiseseniors.com: Dedicated to bringing people age 50 and over the information that is critical to their needs in an easy-to-understand and fun format.

• www.egenerations.com: Provides fun, interesting and life-enhancing technology.

• www.growingbolder.com: Active lifestyle community for people of any age who want to have fun.

• www.eons.com: Online community for baby boomers.

Source: Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author: “Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years,” www.learninglater.com