Adults shouldn't ask their children for computer help any more. They should perhaps ask their parents.
Technology is advancing rapidly, and much of it is perfect for people who have physical limitations, said David O. Staats, M.D. with OU Physicians and an Associate Professor in the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma.

"Sometimes, technology doesn't seem very user-friendly," Staats said. "But the AARP newsletter says that for people who are not intimidated, they are using technology much more. It gives people more ways of staying connected via the Internet."

To help seniors learn about how to use computers and the Internet, he said that many senior groups offer classes in how to use the new technology. Some of these groups include AARP, the Areawide Aging Agency and many different civic and church groups.

Most appealing to many seniors is E-mail which allows them to keep in touch with family members without the cost of a long-distance phone call.

"What makes it nice for them is that computers are available at the local City-County Library system, so they don't need to own their own home computer to E-mail," Staats said. "This is a very important opportunity for older people."

While computer companies may not specifically target seniors, Staats said that many of the technologies available within the computer world are also adaptable for older adults.

"Companies make the equipment very easy for people with a variety of physical limitations," he said. "There are ways to adapt keyboards so that people who do not have very steady hands can use the board because the keys are less sensitive. There are quick ways to increase the size of type so people with weaker eyes can read it. These are built-in adaptations that people can use."

Beyond computers, Staats said there is also new technology in terms of transportation and housing that are also very helpful to older adults.

"Transportation is evolving for older people for things such as walk lights: how long does the walk light need to be on for a person to cross the street?" he asked. "Researchers have spent a great deal of time deliberating this question, and what is coming will be good."

Other transportation technology Staats said is especially helpful to senior adults include: warnings about leaving keys in a car ignition and sensors to let people know when something or someone is behind the car. "These are great," he said.

In housing, Staats said the barrier-free design that appeals to much younger adults also appeals to seniors because it allows for more freedom of movement and more flexibility in terms of change.

For example, he said, many barrier-free houses "stack" closets in the same locations, on top of the other from floor to floor, making it easier to change the closets into an elevator shaft, if necessary.

Other technology designed to help seniors, he said, include new call buttons for people who live alone, global positioning systems in cars and cell phones.

"And I'm personally amazed at the number of scooters here in the metro," he said about the scooters designed to help the elderly walk. "That's a good example of technology helping people."