GeekSugar

More Seniors Are Taking the Plunge Into Tech

GeekSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:17:24 -0800

I may have a game-loving gramps, but he doesn't really venture into the Internet without a little assistance. I'll cut him a break since he's in his eighties, but a recent study shows that more and more seniors are taking the plunge into Facebook, blogs, and tech in general than ever before. Stats show that the senior population (age 65 and over) that uses the Internet has tripled since 2005.

Back in the day, it used to be nearly impossible for the older set to get a handle on tech, but it seems that as times progress and technology is a little easier to grasp, senior citizens aren't afraid to jump in and get their feet wet online. Even if your dad still needs help with his WiFi, you can give him props for at least having an email address. Do the seniors in your life use technology? Share your hilarious family stories with us in our Funny Tech Stories group, or brag about how quickly they got the hang of Twitter below!

Website of the Day: Advanced Style

GeekSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:00:37 -0700

There are some sites that I come across that are just so amazing in and of themselves, that they usually don't need a huge intro. Sites like Advanced Style, which I spotted on Neatorama and instantly fell in love with. The site is dedicated to senior citizens who have fun with fashion, and shows off their personal flair and sense of style. Adorable!

To learn how to post your favorite websites to our Website of the Day group, read more.

I know that this long list looks scary, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it'll be a snap the second time around.

First of all, join the Website of the Day group.
Click the pink "Share" menu on the top left side of the page.
Choose "Blog" and “Regular Post.”
Give your story a “Title.”
Fill in the “Body” with a link to your favorite website and the reasons why you love it.
Click “Next."
Choose the audience for your story to “Website of the Day” in the drop-down menu
Add keyword(s) (for example, mine for this photo was "Website of the Day").
Change channel to “Technology and Gadgets.”
Fill in tag field with relevant tags.
Click “I’m done” to submit content.

So join the Website of the Day group and share information about all your favorite sites! Yours just might end up on the geeksugar homepage!

Golden Girls Can Still Get Their Ubuntu On!

GeekSugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:00:09 -0700

Dear Higher Power, please, please, please let me be like this woman when I grow up.

Mamas, grandmamas, let this lady be a role model for you. You do not have to be technologically impaired!

Source

Senior Takes Part in Wiihabilitation

GeekSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:30:23 -0700

I already knew that senior citizens would rather play the Wii over bridge, but did you know that Wiihabilitation is also taking the country by storm? For James Mann, a patient at Wake Med Health Park in Raleigh, N.C., playing the Nintendo Wii is not only a great source of fun, but it's also helping him recover from a stroke. Shown here with recreational therapist Elizabeth Penny (see pics below), James takes part in games of Wii baseball to help him with his balance, coordination and the strengthening of his arms - how great is this?! And as soon as I get my hands on Wii Fit, I'll be working on my abs, butt and thighs!

View 5 Photos ›

Source

Go Granny Get Your Gadget-On!

GeekSugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:00:39 -0800

If you happened to miss my gift guide for grandmas, don't worry, there's still time to get your grandma lots of great gadget goodies this Christmas.

For more grandma-friendly ideas, which include the computerless email printer with Presto, check out this hilarious video which features tech expert Cat Schwartz. Not only will you get some fabulous gift ideas, but you'll learn how to give your Granny a gadget makeover this holiday season, for realz yo!

Source

Game On! Retirement Home Hosts Wii Tourney

GeekSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:00:24 -0700

Four Erickson retirement communities recently joined together for one common goal- to kick some major Wii bowling butt! As you already know, Wii gaming is very popular among seniors, with Wii bowling being a top favorite! Here is a video from Erickson Sports, which showcases some highlights from game one of the first annual "Erickson Sports Nintendo Wii Bowling Championship." I just love anything related to Wii playing and seniors. It warms my heart and tickles my toes. I guarantee that once you watch this video, you'll get a huge smile on your face. The players are too adorable!

Seniors Still Love The Wii

GeekSugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:00:03 -0700

We've all heard that the Wii is a favorite pastime for senior citizens in fact, the console has even become a staple in retirement communities and taught us that 47 percent of all casual game players are 50 or older, and nearly 20 percent are 60 or older. Sure, the image of granny picking up the Wii is pretty darn cute, but it doesn't stop there. The Sun is reporting that residents as old as 103 have ditched knitting and bridge after getting hooked on the console. Says Barrie Edgar, who is 88, “It’s great fun. We’ve only had it a few days but we can’t put it down.” So, some things really don't change with age, do they?

Check out the rest of the OAPs say nurse, I need a Wii on The Sun's website.

Nintendo Wii's Enjoyed At Any Age

GeekSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:10:29 -0800

Sweatin' to the oldies may be the last thing these senior citizens will want to do after getting a taste of the Nintendo Wii. The Chicago Tribune reported that the Wii is stirring up alot of excitement at the Sedgebrook retirement community in Chicago, IL where the average age of players is 77. The most popular game Wii Bowling, is installed inside Sedgebrook's clubhouse lounge and guess what? ...drum roll....The residents love it! They even organized a Wii virtual bowling tournament!

“I've never been into video games, but this is addictive,” said 72-year-old Flora Dierbach. “They come in after dinner and play. Sometimes, on Saturday afternoons, their grandkids come play with them … A lot of grandparents are being taught by their grandkids. But, now, some grandparents are instead teaching their grandkids.”

[via Gizmodo UK and DailyTech]

Daily Tech: Senior Citizens and Facebook . . . Good Times

GeekSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:10:24 -0700

Wonder what would happen if grandma had a Facebook account? I think the outcome would go something like this. . . - Valleywag
Gizmodo compared six popular and inexpensive minicams to see which one stood out the most in terms of quality and usability. And the winner is . . . - Gizmodo
Around 40 percent of 18- to 24-year-old office workers said that they would consider leaving their jobs if their work blocked Facebook or YouTube. Obsessed much?! - CrunchGear
Looking for a functional yet aesthetically pleasing way to stow away your gadgets? Check out the top 10 DIY charging stations. - Unplggd
TeamSugar user dormouse provides an in-depth review on the Mario Kart for the Wii. - Technology & Gadgets Channel

Wii Music Gets Ready For Class

GeekSugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:00:14 -0800

Almost as heartwarming as the story about the senior citizens enjoying the Wii at retirement communities, Nintendo has just announced that it is partnering with The National Association for Music Education to bring Wii Music into the classroom.

Spanning across 51 cities, Nintendo will have music teachers use the game to help children get enthused about music and teach them about song structure, rhythm, and tempo.

I think as long as Wii Music is used in a manner that complements music lessons, then I'm all for it, but used solely on its own, not so much. That's like giving a class a Wii Fit to play with and calling it gym class.