Why Some Older Adults Need Your Help

I hope you’ll forgive my using Good Boot as a bully pulpit for a personal concern. That too often we assume everyone who can benefit from the Internet has the know-how to do so.

While waiting for Lida to complete her check up at the Florida Cancer Specialists, I observed a demonstration by Caring4Cancer.com of a service sponsored by Florida Cancer Care that allows patients to access their personal health record via the Internet.

In addition to providing secure Internet access to their pathology and radiology reports, prescriptions and medical appointment, Florida Cancer Specialists patients can share their health records with their family on a personal Web page.

After one of the demonstrations I asked the couple sitting next to me what they thought of the idea of being able to access and share their personal health records on the Internet. Both were in their mid eighties and as I later learned, both were being treated for cancer.

They were most enthusiastic about the idea of their children in Massachusetts being able to access their reports and treatment and if necessary assist them if a significant medical decision had to be made because as they explained - we are often overwhelmed by the amount medical information we receive and the choices we are asked to consider.

Then the shocker!

Although they had a computer, they didn’t have Internet access as they were not able to find someone with whom they were comfortable enough to invite into their home to configure their computer to access the Internet and teach them how to safely e-mail and surf the Internet.

I solved their problem. But perhaps I can use this vignette to sound a clarion call for Good Booters to actively seek out older adults in their community without Internet access and if they have a computer, offer their assistance in getting them on line and safely use e-mail and the Internet.

And should they not have a computer, perhaps provide advice on purchasing an appropriate computer and a recommendation for a qualified technician to set it up.

I for one would be more than happy to offer a free seminar to any older adult group on how to become safe and productive surfers. All I need is a projection screen or even just a white wall on which to project. I have the projector and the ability to access the Internet from any location.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.