> >
> > An idea just forced its way into my brain. Maybe we need some more grandparents on here. This is the kind of site where you wouldn't mind having your own grandparents online with you. (That's a hint, kids.) I think I'll recommend it to *my* Grandma.
> > Howard
>
> Heh, the problem there is, my grandmother is afraid to touch her computer, or her microwave, and she is afraid to pump gas. Afraid to use the VCR. So I could never get her here. My other grandmother doesn't even have a computer to use.

I know a few people like that, but tell Grandma that seniors are the fastest growing segment of internet users. The reason that statistic holds up is that everybody under 30 grew up with computers and everybody (almost)still working is forced to use computers at work. So who does that leave. Retired folks. Seniors. Grandma and Grandpa. They don't make up the largest group of computer users, but they are the fastest *growing* group.

I've probably said this before but it's worth repeating:

Computers fill the bill for older people. They make it easy to keep in touch with their children and grandchildren. Grandma can meet people and have dicussions with other seniors in distant places. The monthly charge for an ISP is probably less than they would spend on postage and long distance. I used to talk by phone with my big sister in California about twice a year and some years, I would even write her a letter. But now, with computers, we exchange emails almost daily. The younger sister in Massachusetts is still working and is a very busy person, but I still hear from her several times a month. Much better than the twice a year rate before the internet.

I have a lot of friends who have retired recently and the first thing they do is buy a computer and get on line. The old excuses like, "I don't know anything about computers," and "I never learned to type," and "Computers are too expensive," just don't work anymore.

And you need to get Grandma a different microwave. Get a simple, inexpensive model and show her how to heat up a sandwich. She'll be hooked before sundown. I know people in their 90's who use one.

As for pumping gas, she doesn't need to do that. Old age should have a few benefits.
How"Oops! Carried away again."ard