Computer Savvy Seniors

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.


Sooner or later, most seniors probably get to the AARP website for one thing or another.

I find it a great resource for lots of interesting things other than health care and medication. Check it out at www.aarp.org, and just look at all the options! You’ll find articles, resources and links to almost every subject aimed at those of us over the age of 55, including:

• Travel
• Saving money
• Budgeting
• Reverse mortgages
• Volunteer opportunities
• Job searches
• Retirement destinations
• Public benefit programs
• Caregiving
• Grandparenting
• Love & relationships
• Video games
• …and more

In fact, AARP also hosts an “online community” of folks all over the country. It’s easy and FREE to sign up, and you’ll “meet” interesting people (again, over the age of 55) with whom you can exchange ideas and information. In short, their website is an easily readable fountain of information and fun.

Speaking of AARP, have you heard about their Silver Sneakers® program? If you own an AARP supplemental insurance plan, you can join the FREE Silver Sneakers fitness program. That’s right, a free gym membership. When my husband and I got the brochure in the mail, we could hardly believe it!

We went to www.silversneakers.com, and entered our ZIP code. A map appeared that showed all the participating gyms and athletic clubs in our area. We chose a YMCA within a mile of where we live, signed up and are able to use all the services and equipment in the facility for free! We were treated like royalty (well, like paying members), and given a thorough evaluation and orientation, trained on how to use the equipment, and shown how to use their computerized exercise tracking system. They also conduct special exercise and aquacise classes for Silver Sneakers members. Recently, they added Curves® (a fitness facility created especially for women) to their list of participating facilities.

Hey, there are lots of ways to “amuse and abuse” yourself out there – starting with exercise!

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)