“Seniors are one of the fastest growing groups on the Web. The United States alone has an estimated 9 million Internet users over the age of 65 as of September “ “A recent study has shown that senior citizens who become adept at using a computer appear to have fewer depressive symptoms than those older adults who aren’t so technologically connected.”

Making your computer “senior friendly” (and attachments) Internet search tips Online safety (viruses, spyware) Sending e-cards Genealogy Write your family history Digital photography Medical information Online banking Chatting with other seniors Finding old classmates Online banking Travel bargains Online shopping Library reservations Online games Auctions (eBay) Multimedia (ex. PhotoStory) Online scrapbooking Online newspapers

Make your mouse-pointer larger Start/settings/Control Panel/Mouse Before After

Increase the “text size” in your web browser View/Text Size/Largest

You can attach… Pictures Sound files Video clips Any “file” Here’s an example…

1. Use + and – signs 2. Use quotation marks (“ “) ex. “picnic table” vs. picnic table ex. “picnic table” +redwood -patio

Viruses, worms, trojan horses, etc. Spyware Adware Spam Phishing Use free programs such as “AdAware” and “SpyBot” on a regular basis!

NEVER click on “Remove Me” links!! (You’ll end up getting even MORE junk mail)

NEVER click on links like this

Get into a “routine” (monthly?) Disk Cleanup AdAware SpyBot Virus scan Defragment your hard drive

They’re fun They’re easy They’re FREE Here’s an example… (

Build your own family tree It’s no longer “free” Some examples:

Why switch to digital? It’s easier You can see the pictures right away You can delete the ones you don’t like You can print the good ones immediately You can edit your photos Create calendars, greeting cards, coffee mugs, etc. (Ex. Share your photos with others Let’s give it a try…

Project ideas

Some good examples… U. S. National Library of Medicine Healthfinder (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services) NOAH: New York Online Access to Health Mayo Clinic Harvard Medical Schools KidsHealth WebMD Health New York State Department of Health Rochester Regional Library Council Here’s an example…

Examples: Here’s an example….

My question Lots of great answers

Here’s an example of a slide show you can produce to share with your children and grandchildren….

( Renew your books online )

( Look for LARGE PRINT books )

for attending “Great Computer Ideas for Seniors” I hope you picked up a few new ideas for enjoying your computer. If you need any help, give me a call at