The Virtual Woman: A Woman's
Weekly Guide To Cyberspace
Web Offers New Wrinkle On Aging
Contrary to popular belief, all seniors are not technophobes and not all seniors only want to go online solely to converse with their beer drinking, stay-out-all-night grandchildren. According to a 1998 study by SeniorNet, 70% of computer owners aged 55 or older have internet access from home. The American Association of Retired Persons also reports that it saw a 50% increase in PC ownership from 1994 to 1996 and that roughly 8 million of its volunteer members own computers. Finally, SeniorNet reports that senior adults are doing lots more than just email-seniors are reseaching, accessing news and using the Web to assist in volunteer work projects. So, in honor of dropping this whole senior stigma, let's move ahead answer some questions from some of The Virtual Woman's senior readers. :::gracefully descending from virtual soap box:::
Dear Virtual Woman:
I am by far
the oldest person in the office, and my younger boss and
coworkers won't let me forget it. Their relentless teasing makes me feel
insecure about my job. I'm wondering if plastic surgery would help. Where
can I find out about the various procedures?
- Down in the Dumps at 50
Dear Down:
Before getting into the plastic surgery issue, it might be a good idea to check out some ideas on how to fix your workplace. The Administration on Aging provides several valuable on-line fact sheets. Head for the one on Age Discrimination (http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/factsheets/ageism.html) to learn about the impact of ageism on older workers and find several additional resources for taking action.
When you think about something as serious as plastic surgery, it's wise to get a variety of perspectives. In a U.S. News Online report you can see for yourself about the costs, risks and descriptions of 15 cosmetic procedures ( http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/14clip.htm) For a different perspective, check out what Dr. Andrew Weil says about growing older at http://cgi.pathfinder.com/drweil/archiveqa/1,2283,1259,00.html where you'll also learn his opinions on several anti-aging products.
You are in a difficult situation, but the more you learn about your options, the better off you will be. Best of luck and keep in touch!
Dear Virtual Woman:
I have recently retired
and plan to do volunteer work. I want to do something that is exciting--
maybe even in another state or country. Do you have any suggestions about
ways to find unusual volunteer opportunities?
- Ginger, Denver, Colorado
Dear Ginger:
If you are interested in working with grass roots organizations, a great place to go is @GRASS-ROOTS.ORG at http://www.grass-roots.org/ This site describes organizations throughout the world that address issues like homelessness, job training, political organizing and economic development. You select the area you are most interested in working, and you will find complete descriptions for several programs and ways to contact them.
Also visit Volunteer Match at http://www.volunteermatch.com/ This site also presents descriptions of a number of volunteer positions in the geographical areas that are selected by zip code. You'll be put in touch with both with the organizations and with individuals who have actually volunteered in specific positions.
Dear Virtual Woman:
I am 80 years young and just got my first computer. It's fun to learn to surf the web, but there's a lot of junk out there. Can you steer me towards some worthwhile sites geared towards older adults?
- Bill R., New Hampshire
Dear Bill:
The people at Third Age must have had you in mind when they created "The web for grownups" Access this upbeat site at http://www.thirdage.com/ At the bottom of the page, click Sign-Up For Free Newsletters, then select the first item on the next page, the Web Guide for Grown Ups, which will send you regular reviews of web sites for people 45+.
One site that focuses on technology for seniors is at http://communities.msn.com/seniors/ The MSN Seniors Web Community, is an on-line magazine featuring tips, like how to locate lost friends. It also features communities where seniors can chat on-line about technology topics.
Thrive Online (http://www.thriveonline.com) has a solid 50+ Health section at (http://www.thriveonline.com/health/srhealth.html). Among other things, you'll find an easy-to-use index of medical topics, articles on nutrition, a drug interaction database, and more.
Happy Surfing!
Find these links and more at WWWomen.Com (http://www.wwwomen.com) the web's largest search directory of topics for women online. Email the Virtual Woman with your Internet questions or send snailmail to: WWWomen.Com, Attn: Virtual Woman, 3701 Geary Blvd., #325, S.F., CA 94118. Copyright, 1998. WWWomen, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Contributing Editor: Susan Scott
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