Anyone and everyone can use the Internet to stay connected and have fun. Will you be next?   Today's older adults did not grow up with computers. They did not learn how to use them and how they work in school. But, that's not stopping many seniors as they stay connected with friends and family, search for health related information, shop, or find information on a vast almost unlimited amount of other things. Using a computer to connect to the Internet is a wonderful way to learn new things and stay connected with life in an expanded way.

If you are disabled or if your mobility is limited, the computer can offer you a way to stay connected and to keep the ties to friends and family strong. Today, it is not necessary to own a computer to stay connected. Many Senior Centers have computers available and provide instruction on their use - often for free. Public libraries also offer free computer access. And, what grandkid wouldn't want to show you what he or she knows by helping you learn to use e-mail (electronic mail) or shop online. Don't become isolated. Reach out.

Two of our Senior Centers in Region J are a designated SeniorNet Learning Center. SeniorNet is a nonprofit organization of computer-using adults, age 50 and older.

SeniorNet members learn and teach others to use computers and communications technologies to accomplish a variety of tasks. They learn to touch up photos and send and receive them in email, to desktop publish anything from a newsletter to an autobiography, manage personal and financial records, communicate with others across the country and the world and serve their communities. The Senior Net website offers a discussion forum called the Senior Net Round Tables to help seniors discuss issues, share, and learn computer techniques and skills.

Cary Senior Center Where:   Fred G. Bond Park, Cary Phone:   919-469-4081 Sponsors:  Town of Cary Parks & Rec, Friends of the Cary Senior Center Cary SeniorNet Website Map Seymour Center Phone:  919-968-2070 or 919-403-6259 Sponsors:  Bell South, IBM Map

"The Chapel Hill SeniorNet Learning Center offers more advanced courses such as genealogy, graphics, personal financial management, digital photography, photo editing and tax preparation. The Chapel Hill Learning Center is equipped with nine computers. Each class is led by an instructor and two coaches. All courses are step-by-step, "hands-on" courses with one student per computer. SeniorNet Learning Centers are managed by senior volunteers, and classes are taught by volunteer instructors. We have found that peer teaching is effective and rewarding for the older adult instructors as well as the students. "
* Chapel Hill SeniorNet

Be aware that a small fee may be charged and that you will need to join SeniorNet for a nominal per year fee.

Raleigh also has a SeniorNet learning center.

*courtesy Raleigh SeniorNet

Raleigh SeniorNet Learning Center American Red Cross Building Phone:   919-954-3688 Sponsors:   American Red Cross, Duke Health Raleigh Hospital Raleigh SeniorNet Website Map