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The Internet opens doors to all types of information and modes of communication. E-government (electronic government) is a perfect example of this. The amount of information and services provided via the Internet is growing exponentially. Families who live miles apart can communicate daily via Skype, email, Facebook, and MySpace. Videos and pictures of new babies, weddings and anniversaries can be shared almost instantaneously. Join us at your local library as we explore: why you would want to know how to navigate the Internet, places you can go to learn how to use a computer, and the many of the wonderful services and programs that will be at the end of your fingertips once you learn to use a computer to navigate the Internet.
Wednesday, Jan 13th @ 2:00 pm
Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday
Thursday, January 14th @ 2:00 p.m.
Land O’Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes
Thursday, January 28th @ 2:00 p.m.
Hugh Embry Library,14215 Fourth Street, Dade City
Wednesday, February 3 @ 2:00 p.m.
Hudson Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson
Tuesday, February 9 @ 2:00 p.m.
New River Library, 34043 S. R. 54, Zephyrhills
Tuesday, February 16 @ 2:00 p.m.
Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey
Thursday, February 25 @ 2:00 p.m.
South Holiday Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday
For more information call your local branch or the E-Government Services Manager at 727-861-3040
MetLife Foundation funded a national caregiving study conducted for the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP.
This study was published in November 2009 and was composed of three parts:
The study of caregivers of adults 50+ was based on telephone interviews with 1,397 caregivers who are 18 years or older and who care for someone 50 years or older. Key findings of this study include:
- they estimated that 43.5 million caregivers provide unpaid care for a family member or friend who is age 50 or over. This means that 19% of all adults in the U.S. are caregivers.
- approximately 67% of caregivers are female.
- the average age of caregivers is 50 years old
- caregivers provide care for an average of four years
- caregivers provide on average 19 hours of care per week
- 55% of caregivers are employed while caregiving and 64% of these caregivers report having to make workplace accomodations (such as coming in late to work) as a result of their caregiving role.
- 15% report their care recipient requires help due to aging
- 15% report their care recipient requires help due to Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or forgetfulness.
For more information, you can click here for the full study.
The Neilsen Company has recently published a report that shows that internet use by Seniors has increased 55% in the last five years. This is an increase of over 6 million Seniors! According to this study, the top five online activities for people 65 and older were:
- Personal email 88.6%
- Viewed or printed maps online 68.6%
- Checked weather online 60.1%
- Paid/viewed bills online 51.2%
- Viewed/posted photos online 50.1%
The top 5 online destinations for people 65 and older were:
- Google Search
- Windows Media Player
- Facebook
- Youtube
- Amazon
Facebook showed the biggest increase in use by older adults - it ranked 45th last year and is now ranked 3rd.
The British Columbia Institute of Technology has created a new website that provides information for Seniors and their families about mobility devices. Several publications are available on their website:
Assistive devices (also called assistive technology) include more than just mobility devices - they are items that can help you to see, communicate, pick up items, etc. For more information about assistive devices, please see these webpages:
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently created a website describing the symptoms of hearing loss and the three types of hearing loss. Another web page describes the types of hearing aids. In addition, the FDA provides this checklist, if you are considering getting a hearing aid:
- Get a checkup from an "ear, nose, and throat" physician to get a medical exam first
- Consider going to an audiologist to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss
- buy your hearing aid from a licensed hearing healthcare professional
- be careful to choose a hearing aid that meets you needs
- learn how to care for your hearing aid
- ask about a trial/adjustment period
- check out the warranty
Other good websites for hearing loss and hearing aid information include:
