http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031120075923.htm University Of Florida 'Smart Home' Demonstrates Concept Of Automated Elderly Help And Care GAINESVILLE, Fla.

Source:   University Of Florida Date:   2003-11-20 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031120075923.htm University Of Florida 'Smart Home' Demonstrates Concept Of Automated Elderly Help And Care Most interesting article.  The one thing that is only briefly mentioned is the computer.  Social isolation is the greatest problem of old age, and the ability to communicate on the computer becomes increasingly important.  And age is no limit.  I have been working with a 92-year old woman who is learning quite rapidly.  Also, I know a 94-year-old man who does day trading on the computer. So my greatest suggestion to those deisgners in Florida would be to make the computer easier to use for old folks.  It is still too difficult to navigate around the Internet.  We need better voice activation.  It is cruel to keep people in their homes and isolate them socially. -Connie

Connie - you are speaking from my heart!! The web (I do not have a computer, but a web T.V.) has been marvelous for me.  My friends have all died - literally - I am too frail to attend the Senior Centre functions, or other outlets, so that, except for grocery shopping,tc., I am almost home-bound.   But with the accessibility of the Internet, the days go by, with many interests, and sources of information, and connections,etc.