Easy email for Grandpa?

SlitheyTove
Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:19:17 +0000

Timbuktu is one remote control option, but I’m sure there are others.

There are computers specifically designed for senior citizens that come with lots of support help bundled into the (monthly) cost. Not the cheapest option, but there is lots of handholding. One used to advertise heavily in Smithsonian magazine, saying how the screen just showed you a big “Go” button as the only thing to press.

My parents (well, my mom) are very computer savvy for people their age. My in laws are a different story. My FIL bought an iPad but can’t get comfortable with it. I spent a few sessions with him showing him how to use email, to no avail. Even with the carrot of being able to read email from his college-aged granddaughter, and seeing pictures of his younger granddaughter on an overseas trip, he’s just not going to make the leap. He started taking a weekly class for senior citizens who are just learning to use a computer, but stopped going after the first two meetings. Too many factors (never learned to type, not a reader, not someone who’s enjoyed picking up new skills, very reluctant to ask for help) are conspiring against him becoming even minimally computer literate. :(