The virtual community

We talk a lot about how important community is for elders and while they don’t replace personal contact, the Internet and email have opened many doors, some of them surprising, for elders to connect with others and have their voice heard.

Because computers have become one of society’s main sources of communication, information and entertainment, I would like to encourage nursing homes to find a way to offer computer access and simple training to residents so they are not left out of this very large part of our culture and community. In fact, a staff person could help a resident set up a blog as an individual activity. A blog is a great opportunity for an elder to document their history, tell stories and lend perspective to friends and family far away as well as the folks in their nursing home. If you are in the process of a deep and long-term culture change, get an elder to blog on your own website to give updates and comments on the change from a resident’s point of view. Who’s going to be the first to do that?

So, I thought I’d point out a couple of gem web pages that feature elders making it clear they won’t be left in technology’s wake.

Our friend Imy Higbie talking about culture change

A group of Brittish elders “talking about my generation” and a member of the group talking about the musical project.


The Young at Heart Singers having some fun. Their renditions of rock songs lend a whole new perspective.

What to call “old people.” I vote for “classics.”

And then, the Internet being what it is, there is always room for the quirky.

Disclaimer: Now, of course, as you investigate some of these sites you will see some ridiculous stuff from idiots (I don’t use this term lightly) in response to the posts from elders. Those people love the Internet and seem to have a vocabulary consisting of only four-letter words. I can only suggest brushing them aside like little bugs as responding only eggs them on.