Using New Attitudes and Technology to Change the Developmental Counseling Focus for Older Populations

Counseling and Human Development, Apr 2003 by Thomas, M Carolyn, Martin, Virginia, Alexander, Jeri Jo, Cooley, Fannie R, Loague, Averil M

Multimedia Applications

Creating family memory books and genealogical charts is just one small step away from producing electronic slideshows and movies. Programs such as PowerPoint and KeyNote enable the user to add backgrounds, graphics, music, voice recordings, and even movie clips to the family photos and text, to create stand-alone or interactive computer presentations. A simple program for creating digital movies using either movie clips or still photos is iMovie. Younger family members who are knowledgeable about creating electronic slideshows and movies can encourage an older family member to try new computer uses and thereby create a new common interest between the younger and older members in a family.

Another possible multimedia application is the use of small, inexpensive Web cameras (Web cams). Individuals can see and hear those who also have Web cams attached to their computers. For older individuals who may be unable to travel, Web cams offer an excellent way to see and hear about the new addition to the family and participate in other family events.

Internet Resources

Older people often have trouble learning about needed resources or obtaining information about health, interests, legislative or political issues, educational or recreational opportunities, and community events. Being able to "surf the 'Net" is a valuable skill in staying informed and being connected with an infinitely large community. List-servs, bulletin boards, and online chat groups focusing on special interests are other alternatives for those who are interested in instant access to world events. Useful Web sites for seniors are listed at the end of this article.

The Internet offers a wide variety of games, which provide another means of socialization. The older person might play the game individually or interact with others. For those who have given up card games because of trouble shuffling or dealing cards, Internet games enable older people to continue to enjoy their favorite games.

A particularly helpful Internet service is online shopping. Transportation and mobility difficulties may preclude an older person from shopping and mailing gifts. Now a person can buy almost any item on the Internet, and the online store will mail the gift to the intended recipient. In some areas the older person can complete grocery shopping online and have the groceries delivered. Banking, paying bills, and conducting many other business transactions can be done online-provided that the older person has the skills to complete these tasks.

Web Pages

Older people who become enthusiastic about learning to use computers may eventually want a personal Web page to display family genealogy, artwork, or recipes, for example. An older person also can use a Web page to share opinions with others who have posted their own Web pages to the Internet. User-friendly software programs are available to help create Web pages. For example, Netscape Composer is free and comes with the Internet browser software.