Last week  firstSTREET, the catalog retailer who specializes in products for the +45 adult and  the company MyGait,  a PC manufacturer in Texas,   unveiled a “fear-free”  home PC  especially designed  for  older adults that find the complexity of using a computer  just too overwhelming. 

I interviewed the CEO of MyGait, Jeff Hill asking him how he can confidently say his computer is “fear Free” and easy to use, after all, haven’t we heard this “tune” before with other computer vendors?

 Jeff said  “ We  designed this computer  for  mature adults who want to simply send and receive email , enjoy digital photos, get some news , play a few games  and surf the internet  but  fear the complexity of operating a PC by themselves.”   The evolution of the GO computer was based on testing with more than 10,000 seniors who used it, challenged it and told us how to improve it.”   

I asked what specifically did the testers tell you?    Jeff said   “The testers wanted a computer that couldn’t crash or break, one that was completely logical and simple, that wouldn’t confuse them, cost them their privacy or leave them vulnerable to viruses or unwanted email. “said Jeff.   He went on to say “Their suggestions were responsible for a number of special features, like a zoom that enlarges the screen even for email and everything online. They favored a fingertip-controlled roller ball mouse, because it’s easier on arthritic wrists and hands, and they wanted a US-based, around-the-clock center of service.”   Tall order, I replied – can you really do this?

Jeff says they did it all and the greatest thrill has been watching seniors first approach the computer with doubt, then to witness the great joy of accomplishment when a grandchild returns an email message. “There are so many poignant stories of seniors connecting online for the first time with family members. And I’m always amazed at how quickly surfing the Web suddenly becomes a favorite pastime.”  

 
Let me describe my testing and evaluation.   The Go Computer is designed to be “easy-on-the-eye” with enlarged text on the screen, and a big keyboard with easy to read lettering.   There are only two things required to make this PC work: a power outlet and a broadband internet connection.  

  When I first turned on the computer – the boot process was quick because you are actually logging into a MyGait server.    This is a thin client computer.  A big “GO” button that appears at the top of the screen,  a simple click on “GO”  transports the user to a menu of sites and selected applications to start with, such as Web sites for current events and news, medical information,  email plus  games and other entertaining resources.   If a user gets confused while navigating around the system, there are green directional aids along the way, and the “GO” button is always the safe harbor to easily find your way back to what you were doing so.   The user need not experience the sensation of being hopelessly lost that sometimes comes with traditional computers.

The problems of maintenance, upgrades, spam, adware, phishing and viruses and other PC plagues are handled by MyGait’s secure servers on their end.   The service also takes care of on-line safety, storage, upgrades and repair issues.  The user never has to worry about a crash, maintenance or doing something wrong because that is all handled at the remote site.

In my opinion with GO’s ease of operation and maintenance-free operation will enable those seniors who’ve never owned a computer before to enjoy being part of the internet age communicating with grandkids and family, to importantly stay in touch and feel the satisfaction of mastering new skills.   For an older adult who is frustrated by being left behind across the digital –divide it is the joy of a new independence to gain access to a wealth of information, entertainment and communication.  

The GO computer prices out at $799 and come with a Flat panel display, with the CPU and communications ports attached, a keyboard, roller ball mouse, and speakers.   For additional information firstSTREET has set up a new number specifically for computer information and orders: 877-670-0737 or you can visit the Websites www.theGOcomputer.com  and http://www.firststreetonline.com/Featured+Products/New+Innovations/

 

We all are aware that  America’s population is aging.  So it is no surprise that the need for qualified senior care health professionals continues to grow.   If you are a job hunter over  the age of 50,  this need has become a unique employment opportunity for you to explore.  You might explore the National Senior Living Providers Network (NSLPN)  website, they  offer tools and information to help  unemployed  and career changing boomers  a place to  explore opportunities in the senior care industry.
 
A career in elder care can be a rewarding experience for both the employee and for the person receiving care.  Employees are keep their minds active, learning  new skills and contributing  to the community through their work in th is rapidly growing industry.   Plus, seniors/elders  also enjoy receiving care from employees that are closer in age and generation. These employees and seniors can build meaningful relationships that enhance the benefits of senior care. 
 
National Senior Living Providers Network (NSLPN)  is making  it easy for mature workers to find the most up-to-date listings for senior care jobs across the country on their website www.NSLPN.com .  Here you have employers who recognize the value and benefits of hiring mature workers plus can recruit and screen potential candidates through the website. 
 
“Mature workers are a great asset to the senior care industry,” says Britt Nichols co-founder of NSLPN. “They can often transfer skills from other disciplines to find the flexible, enjoyable employment they desire at this stage in their life. Our website is a great community where these potential senior care employees can interact with healthcare industry employers looking for their unique skills.”
 
If you looking to change careers NSLPN.com also offers timley information on the health care industry and commentary on senior care industry trends. The site is designed to be a one-stop-shop for anyone interested in joining the senior health care industry.
 
If  you are wondering who the National Senior Living Providers Network (NSLPN) is, they are an online community for senior care industry news and career opportunities for all professionals involved in the senior living marketplace.  They  provide recruitment opportunities for employers and great job seeking opportunities for industry professionals across all of the senior living disciplines. Through a targeted job board and career center, relevant Senior Living news, industry information and articles, and senior care professional blogs, The National Senior Living Providers Network presents a multi-dimensional venue for senior care professionals, employers, and recruiters who want to stay informed and in-touch to the Senior Living Provider com! munity. www.nslpn.com   If you are looking to  find a job or changing careers check it out.
 

Good News today, two industry giants step-up technology development of home-health monitoring.  General Electric (GE) and Intel announced an alliance to develop home-based health technologies that will help seniors live independently and patients with chronic conditions manage their care from the comfort of their home.

With the dramatic increase of people with chronic conditions and an aging population there is a need to extend care from the hospital to the home.  The two companies are helping to address these pressing issues. The market for telehealth and home health monitoring is predicted to grow from $3 billion in 2009 to an estimated $7.7 billion by 20121. These numbers reflect that fact that many of us boomers are aging into chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and overweight that could lead to heart disease or diabetes.

GE and Intel will invest more than $250 million over the next five years for the research and product development of home-based health technologies. Key elements of the Alliance means that the two companies will work together, combining their complementary skill set and research resources to accelerate innovation and commercialization of next-generation home-health technologies. Both companies also plan to expand their current development programs in home health and independent living technologies to include new areas such as fall prevention, medication compliance, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and personal wellness monitoring.

It is great to see these powerful companies share a vision to use technology to bring effective healthcare into millions of homes and to improve the lives of seniors and people with chronic illness. Together they can deliver innovative products to serve this rapidly growing market.

GE and Intel are currently active in patient monitoring and home health, with strong sector expertise like GE Quiet Care™, a remote activity and behavioral monitoring system for seniors, alerting caregivers to changes that may signal potential health issues or emergency situations such as a fall or emerging health problem. The Intel Health Guide is a personal health system combining an in-home patient device with an online interface to allow clinicians monitor patients in their homes and manage care remotely. The Health Guide includes vital sign collection, patient reminders and communications tools such as video conferencing and alerts. Intel also brings its know-how in the development of user-friendly interfaces for high technology products and tools for online cognitive assessment and social interaction, all of which will be vital to the design of easy to use home-based health products.

In the United States the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics forecast that by 2030, approximately 71.5 million people will be 65 and older, representing nearly 20 percent of the total U.S. population – up from 37 million Americans in 2006. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension kill more than 1.7 million Americans per year, and are responsible for 7 of every 10 deaths in the U.S.

1 Combined data for United States and Europe. Data Monitor reports Telehealth spending North America and Telehealth spending 2007–2012
 

Videos of Sessions and Presentations Now Online --  Silvers Summit @ 2009 International CES
 

If you were not able to attend the Silvers Summit in January, you can now view the individual  conference sessions on your PC and download the power points.     The Silvers Summit at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcased the products and services that keep older adults engaged, entertained, connected, and healthy.   The event was co-produced by the SmartSilvers Alliance in Silicon Valley in partnership with CEA.org .   AARP, CAST/AASHA, Microsoft, Clarity , HP , Continua Health Alliance and others were sponsors.

In 1955, Marvin Zukor, A San Francisco police officer, drove his 1934 Packard V12 Convertible Victoria down the California coast to the third Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.  Fifty-three years later, Marvin Zukor and his prized Packard will again compete in this year’s Concours.

Zukor’s Packard was originally purchased in 1933 by actor Cesar Romero, who starred in dozens of films, and is best known as the Joker on TV’s Batman. After Romero the next owner was sportscaster-actor Bill Stern, who broadcast the first major league baseball game on TV.  After World War II, the Packard became a Stanford University "rally car" driven around the stadium track during football games.

"The car was used and abused when I bought it," says Zukor. "The V12 engine had holes and was shot, there was a busted water pump and the entire car was a mess.  But I loved it."

Zukor purchased the Packard in 1952 from a young man who, according to Zukor, had rescued the car from oblivion at Stanford, but was leaving to serve in the Korean War. 

"I originally gave it a 1950s-type restoration, including a $100 paint job, new engine and upholstery," says Zukor, a founding member of the Northern California Region of the Classic Car Club of America.  "I then showed it at the 1955 Pebble Beach Concours and got a second place prize for in-class - a little thing to put on my dashboard."

First conducted in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has become the world’s premier celebration of the automobile. Only the most beautiful and rare cars are invited to appear on the fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Zukor, was invited to return to the event by Chris Bock, a member of the Pebble Beach Selection Committee.  Bock says that his committee loves the fact that the car has been used its entire life and "for most of the past 53 years, Marvin has been pouring oil into the car and driving it around northern California.

To ready his Packard for Pebble Beach after a 53-year absence and thousands of driving miles around San Francisco and environs, Zukor has hired classic car restorers Craig and Sue Lynch to return the vehicle to pristine condition. 

"I was a San Francisco cop for 30 years, a U.S. Marshall for 15 years.  Now, within the past few years, I’ve been focused on restoring my Packard once again.  Let’s just say I’ve spent a little more on its second restoration."

Smokers and snackers report a decreased activity in their  respective vices making casual games a healthier break!According to the American Cancer Society , smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 430,700 American lives each year and  many of us are working on on some weight-loss or tackling obesity.   The survey say that some people people are turning to computer games for relaxation, and stress-relief. instead of smoking and snacking

In a recent survey,  commissioned by RealGames(TM),the Games Division of RealNetworks®, playing casual games has a positive affect on  bad habits and lifestyle choices.  Here are some  of their findings:

• Of the respondents watching their weight, 59 percent agreed playing casual games was a distraction from snacking.
•  Of those who are smokers, 42 percent said playing casual games was a  distraction from smoking and tobacco use.
• Smokers typically play casual games on weekdays after work, before
  they go to sleep or on the weekends. This is often the time when they take a smoke break.
• Hidden picture games are the most popular among smokers. "Little Shop of Treasures" and "Mysteryville" are big favorites in this genre.
• Participants most commonly report feeling "relaxed and relieved of
  stress" after a typical game break during their day.

Game playing is an inexpensive way to keep busy and take your mind off  snack foods that are calorie laden or tobacco cravings.

Survey Methodology -- The research was conducted by Information SolutionsGroup, ttp://www.infosolutionsgroup.com for RealNetworks. The results arebased on online surveys completed by 4,537 respondents randomly selected between December 28, 2007 and January 11, 2008.

Can't Remember What I Forgot: The Good News From the Front Lines of Memory Search.
By Sue Halpern. 256 pages. $24.00. Harmony Books.

We have all walked into a room and forgot why; we lose our car keys in the house. So we make a joke about having one of those "senior moments", but we wonder silently, is this signs of Alzheimer’s.

Halpern’s father had dementia so she wanted to know what scientists really know, and how close they are to a therapy or drugs that might work - either for memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s or "normal" forgetfulness in short term recall that comes as we age. You will read in the book how Halpern spent five years in research on the topic and volunteered for a numerous tests that can help diagnose dementia, including a variety of brain scans.

In the book, Halpern gives us encouragement that it is possible to do something that wards off normal, age-related memory loss.  The answer she found is actually quite simple – we need to exercise.  Halpern reports in her book that a brisk walk around the block or a half hour on the tread mill a few times per week can make a real difference.  Halpern talks about how exercise promotes the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus (a section in the brain that forms new memories).  She also explains that exercise counters age-related shrinking of the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in concentration and working memory.

The issue in memory research, as the author explains, is that science has not fully proved that anything really works yet:  like fish oil, vitamin E, or herbal supplements, crossword puzzles and computer games.  So as much as we might be too busy to exercise – exercise is an easy inexpensive method to stave off short term memory lapses and build up what we might have lost in aging.

"Can't Remember What I Forgot" is easy and enjoyable reading even though the author spends most of her time in scientific settings with clinical researchers she keep us engaged.  The book sheds light on promising new theories being tested, what is the nature of ongoing research and current high tech solutions in computer exercises and games.   I enjoyed the book; it is a quick read with interesting stories of her adventure in science.  I recommend it as a good book for your summer reading.

I  have been lusting after a Wii since trying one out at the Life @50 convention in Boston.     Knowing that Wii’s are typically sold-out in the stores, I found a seller on Amazon that did not take a huge markup and ordered a Wii Sport , plus I pre-ordered the new Wii Fit announced earlier this week.   The Wii Fit is an add-on fitness/exercise game so you must have a Wii consol installed first.

The Wii itself was easy to set up.  I installed it in the bedroom where we have a 42” flat panel digital TV hanging on the wall.  The Wii connects to your TV like a DVD player.  Nice surprise is that Nintendo provides connecting cables long enough to handle most TV installations.  Once you turn on the Wii there is an added benefit if you have a wireless network in your home – the Wii automatically connects to the internet and delivers news, weather and shopping channels.  

 
What attracted me to the Wii were the games of golf and tennis,   but what I really wanted was the Wii Fit for exercise.  There are four categories of exercises: yoga, strength training, aerobic exercise, and balance games.  The Wii Fit comes with a CD, instructions and a balance board.  To perform most exercises you stand or rest parts of your body on the wireless balance board.  The board supports up to 330 pounds and powered by four AA batteries.  The board has pressure sensors that know where your feet are and monitors your center of gravity.

Before you exercise for the first time you build a profile.   For the Wii Fit profile it wants to know gender, birthday and height.  When I stepped onto the balance board it recorded my weight and measured my balance with some simple tests.  Then it presents me with my Body Mass Index (BMI), my weight, and calculated my "Wii Fit Age”.  Fortunately, there is an option to password-protect my profile if I did not want anyone peeking at my numbers.    The accuracy in these numbers look pretty good   --   I have heard from other testers that BMI/weight may vary if you are using the Balance Board on a rug instead of a hardwood floor.   I had my BMI and weight taken recently at the doctors -- the Wii numbers were close enough, so I was happy with the result.    I forgot to mention as part of the start-up on the Wii – you also build a mini “Mii” avatar.  This is a character that will be “your” representation on screen for games you play like tennis or golf or balance games, where you see yourself at play. 

                     
With profile complete I started with the Yoga poses.   You have a virtual trainer that demonstrates the poses first, and then you will mimic the trainer and do the pose or exercise with him or her.  Many activities include on-screen feedback regarding   your center of balance and virtual trainers, like real trainers, talk you through the movements and explain how you can improve your performance or pose.

The aerobics and yoga are fun but I just love the balance games especially Ski Slalom, Ski Jumping, and Table Tilt; for cardio I like the virtual Hula Hoop and jogging.  As you spend time exercising, you earn Fit Credits that unlock more poses, exercises or games; nice incentive to do more.   You get the credit for the minutes you exercise in your piggy bank and congratulations when you hit a 30 minute mark.

  
I am pleased  with my purchase of the Wii – The console and accessories are sturdy, easy to install and use.  I find myself making time to exercise because it is not a boring  30 minutes– I can mix up the exercises, poses and games  to suite my mood  and when I am done I can always add in a few holes of  Wii golf,  or a round of  tennis  before  going on to other activities.   ( photos are pre-approved screeshots courtesy of Nintendo)
 

The cell phone has become an essential communications tool; a bit of insurance when we need it. Yet there are many who do not carry a cell phone.  Perhaps because cell phones are complex ,  small, easy to lose, a nuisance, too expensive or  too few people to call.

However, the cell phone is a personal safety device, especially if you live alone or a distance from family members. A cell phone may be the most valuable item in your pocket if a sudden need arises.  Public pay phones are not an option, they have all but disappeared from the landscape .

If you or someone you know is reluctant, here are ten good reasons to carry a cell phone. 

1  Weather and Acts of Nature – Many of us live in parts of the country where a sudden earthquake or tornado could happen without warning.  Then there are the other acts of nature that result in evacuation such as hurricanes, fires, blizzards, ice storms, flooding, landslides, or a prolonged power outage.  A cell phone is important to get help or to let someone know your location and your level of safety.

2. Travel Safety – We love to travel; by car, RV, ship, train, plane or bus.  It is a good idea to let a family member or friend know where you are and where you are going next or  when you plan to arrive.  While you are away, a friend or family member can contact you if there is a problem with your home, a pet or with another family member.

3. Traffic Problems – No matter how well we plan we can run into traffic jams that cause us to be late for that doctor’s appointment, dinner reservation, or a party.  A cell phone is handy to alert your destination of a new arrival time. 

4. Accidents Happen – When we least expect it.  Most are minor, but as we age, we are more prone to falling.  A simple fall on a slippery surface may not be just an embarrassment, but a call for help from a cell phone, especially if no one sees you fall.   If you drive, an auto accident ,  empty gas tank or that flat tire always seems to happen in the middle of a rainstorm – a cell phone is invaluable to summon police or a tow truck.

5. Good Samaritan --  We have all been in a situation when we wished the police were nearby  to report a drunk driver, help for a lost child, see smoke or witness an accident.  We can be of aid to another person, as a Good Samaritan, to summon assistance for others.

6.  911 -- This is the most important reason to have a cell phone in an emergency.   Soon all phones will have location-based technology , GPS that will dispatch help to you quickly without you having to know your exact address. 
 
7. Staying in touch with Family – A  cell phone makes you accessible when you are needed. Perhaps  it is a grandchild or a close friend who really needs your help or someone who needs to hear your reassuring voice or a bit of wisdom in a pinch.

 8. Finding your way if you are lost – We are at an intersection without a map; is our destination a left or a right turn?   There is no one around to ask. A quick call will get us on our way.

9  Check a schedule – You have dropped off car for repair and are told to come back in one hour.  We all know that hour can stretch on longer.  A phone is handy to be able to check on the schedule so we can adjust our activities to fill the time productively.

10. ICE  – Don’t forget to program your cell phone with one or two “ICE” numbers ,  these are your “In Case of Emergency” numbers. ICE numbers are a powerful aid to police or emergency personal assisting you in an emergency. In the event that you are carrying your cell phone and you are non-responsive, the emergency personal can locate and dial your ICE contacts.   On your cell phone, just program in ICE-1, and ICE-2  and the phone number,  These ICE contacts may be critical in helping emergency personal access enough medical information about you to save your life. 
 

 It seems everyone under the age of thirty five is doing it; they love to communicate by text messaging.  You might consider trying it because it is a great way to stay in-touch with your children and grandchildren, but before you try, TM (text messaging) lets get the 411 (information) about what is text-messaging, ways to use it and importantly how to read it. 

Most digital cell phones have the ability to send and receive text messages. This service is referred to as SMS or “short message service”.  When you create a text message you are generally limited to very short message lengths – about 160 characters and spaces.   Once you have created your message, you send it to a friend’s cell phone by entering their phone number. The message goes in a few seconds -- your friend’s phone will beep and the message will appear on their screen.

So why would anyone laboriously type out short messages on those tiny cell phone key pads?  You need nimble fingers and it is challenging enough just to read the tiny letters on the keypad without a magnifying glass.   After all, isn’t a  cell phone used to make voice calls and talk? 

Just ask the people you know who text message, they will give you many reasons why they like it, such as text messages are less intrusive than a phone call.  For instance, you can send a quick note without distracting your friend or family member from what they are doing at that moment. In addition, text messages are a quiet way to communicate with someone at work, or eating out at a restaurant. If a person’s phone is on "vibrate" then they will be able to receive and respond in complete silence. This is especially handy if some one is “on-call” like a doctor or an expectant father. Like email, one can send a quick text message to several friends at a time. For example, this is a convenient way to gather up your family members at the mall to meet at the car when shopping time is over. Many young people like SMS because mom and dad cannot eavesdrop on the conversation.

If you only have 160 characters to communicate with, that means every letter and space counts, so a completely new shorthand language evolved.    There are websites to help you learn the abbreviation lingo and decipher messages such as Lingo2Word a translation site at http://www.lingo2word.com or Webopedia, they have a good SMS dictionary at http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp   Webopedia also has  a nice online dictionary and search engine for most computer and Internet technology definitions.  Another handy resource is the SMS dictionary at TechDictionary.com™ http://techdictionary.com/chat.html

Now you have the 411 on TM, U2 can pick up UR cell phone and try TM.  It is actually easier than it looks; a bit like passing secret notes in class when you were a kid.   Imagine how surprised your children or grandchildren will be when they receive a cheerful “Happy Birthday” message from you or just a AWTTW (a word to the wise) like TNSTAAFL or “there is no such thing as a free lunch”.