By
Sandra Murphy
| “Twenty years ago our residents were given cast-off computers by their adult children when the kids purchased new higher-powered machines for themselves. They told their folks to ‘get email” but didn’t have the patience to sit down and teach their parents how to master the computer.” That’s from Dan Tuchenhagen, president of The Resort Computer Club. Now things have changed. No more cast-offs. Dan says, “My computer club associates and I gave computer lessons, and tutored residents, one-on-one. Now |
Dan Tuchenhagen is a twenty-three year resident of The Resort and has been computer club president for the past decade.
What else can computers do? It starts slowly but then you get a link to a cute cat video on Facebook, a how-to cooking lesson on YouTube and the next thing you know, you’re hooked on Pinterest and checking out e-books from the library for your Kindle.
Look for upcoming classes for all Windows users, including folks who want to stay with older versions. “Our computer club would like to help residents with tablets too,” Dan says. So far, finding a teacher has been a challenge. If you can help others learn the ins and outs of tablets, let Dan know. You can tutor or give a small presentation. You don’t have to be a pro!
Beyond staying in touch and reading online content, some of the big draws in the RV park are special interest groups (known as SIGs) for subjects like genealogy and photography. While some people still have an actual camera, many take photos with their smart phones, sync with the laptop and share on Facebook. Classes are offered to show you how to do all of these things.
While using a computer is usually a solitary pursuit, the result of computer usage at The Resort is a way to stay engaged and to meet others who have similar interests. Dan estimates he knows 500-600 of the residents by name now, thanks in part, to the computer club.
“We still have residents who have never been exposed to a computer but want to learn. I say everyone needs to know how to use a computer or tablet. When your health no longer permits you to play softball, tennis, shuffleboard or go to the pool, you need the stimulation and contact using email and the Internet can provide,” Dan says.
Members aren’t chained to the computer desk. You can find Dan at the tennis court just about every afternoon. The computer can wait until after the game.
WHAT COMPUTER SHOULD YOU OWN? OR DO YOU NEED TO OWN ONE?
What if you don’t have a computer? You can get recommendations on what to buy at the computer club. Or you can simply can use the computers and fiber optics Wi-Fi in the clubhouse. Or if you have or have a “dinosaur” and want something new, you check out the suggestions in this article:
http://assistedlivingtoday.com/2014/10/the-best-laptops-and-accessories-for-seniors-in-2014-and-2015/
(It’s been updated for 2016)
And what about those old computers or cell phones you no longer need or want? Recycle them. Best Buy’s website states, “We will take all kinds of used tech, no matter where you bought it or how old it is. We’ve collected and responsibly disposed of more than 1 billion pounds of electronics and appliances, making us the largest retail collection program in the U.S.”
OBSTACLES TO COMPUTER USE
Beginners often worry they’ll break the computer. You have to try really hard to do irreparable damage. Considering the cost and technology involved, it’s always hard to believe “turn it off, count to thirty and try again” will fix many problems. If that doesn’t work, odds are, someone at the computer club already did the same thing and can tell you how to undo it.
As far as viruses go, don’t click on links unless you trust the source, don’t panic when told your account at the bank has been hacked or freak out when the flashing box pops up saying your computer has errors that must be fixed-they’re scams. One recent scam is a phone call to say Microsoft is cracking down on hackers and noticed unusual activity on your computer. If you don’t repair it right now, it could crash. You’d then be told to go to a site and click on a button that allows the caller to remotely help you fix the damage. These calls are as legit as the Nigerian Prince who wants to share 44.7 million US dollars with you. Don’t waste your time-just hang up!
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The computer club meets Fridays, 1:30-2:30 in the theater. The club provides pre-meeting entertainment in the form of interesting videos, many times from YouTube, followed by a discussion. They also hire outside presenters like computer technicians or Mesa library representatives to pass along tips on getting the most out of the computer experience. After the meeting, club leaders are available for one-on-one assistance.
By the way, there are no dues to join The Resort Computer Club, but they do ask for a donation of $1 per family per season. Where else could you find such a bargain?