Today we have more and more of our senior population using computers and cell phones.  My own parents are on Facebook *gasp*and enjoy computer games, checking email and the like.  I applaud our parents and grandparents for embracing this technology.  I know in my own family this is a primary way for all of us to keep in touch with one another.  If it weren’t for phones and computers we would rarely know what was going on since we are spread across the country.

As a nurse who cares for the needs of older Americans, I see the struggles that must go through when it comes to technology.  Even my own spouse struggles with the inability to see small print and has to chose his cellphone very carefully to insure that he can work it if the lighting is low or if he fails to have his reading glasses with him.

Luckily this population has not been forgotten.  Just this week I saw two ads directed toward our seniors.  One is a cellphone while the other is a computer system.

The Jitterbug is a cellphone that has large, colored displays and is designed to reduce background noise.  It is very simple with no camera, internet, or other susription based services.  It is a phone; pure and simple.  It does have Bluetooth and Caller ID!

First Street (also the maker of Jitterbug) has designed the GO computer.  It has a big, bright screen and even magnifies the image up to 200% with the touch of a button.  It also hosts a large over-sized keyboard with colored buttons to help with navigation.  These systems were originally targeted to retirement homes and Senior Centers, but now you can purchase them for individual use.

So Mamaw, which would you like for Christmas?