At the recent Salon for Seniors held in Paris, France, a senior citizen is assisted in using a computer adapted for use of seniors. (AFP/Stephane de Sakutin)
PARIS (AFP), March 28, 2008:
Mastering the use of computers is not always easy when you reach a certain age, but various initiatives presented at the Porte de Versailles Salon in Paris for senior citizens, help the elderly cross the first step.
"There is a fear of the computer, a sense of shame they are not able to handle them. People say they are too old and that it's too late for them," says Emmanuel Freund, who has launched e-sidor, a simple to use touchscreen computer at this event.
Emmanuel Freund, a computer engineer, originally designed that computer for his nonagenarian grandparents. "I tried to teach them on a classical computer but my grandfather could not use the mouse," explained the young inventor.
E-sidor, therefore, has no mouse. It's the finger that does everything. E-mails may be sent through voice messaging, or the user has the option to send video-mail or to write the messages with fingernail or a pen. He can scroll through pictures with his finger or train in memory games.
Jean-Michel Vantroeyen is won over. For this 70 year old former business manager, computers had so far remained "a foreign language". On a regular computer "there are often locks to open attachments, passwords to remember," says the retiree who has just purchased e-sidor for 1,500 euros, installed.
Jacqueline Nowac, 71 years old, is seduced. "We have children and grandchildren who live in the province, and we want to buy this easier-to-use computer to contact them," she says.
E-sidor is not the first company to enter this niche market. Two years ago, other young computer entrepreneurs launched simplified computers designed for the elderly.
At this exhibition, teleservices operator Neuf Cegetel offers the Easy Gate computer with the graphical interface tailored for people who are unfamiliar with new technology. Sold at 149 euros (without monitor), it is coupled with a monthly subscription to the Internet and telephone line offered by the operator.
Once the equipment is purchased, one has to get started. Several companies offer on-site computer assistance, which is eligible for 50 % tax deduction.
Founded four years ago, Famiclic provides training to seniors. Xavier Sillon, its président, explains. "They are often persuaded to equip the family, but after that it's panic." "We go to their homes and show them all the practical benefits of Internet," he continues.
Others too turn to make the Internet accessible to a greater number. Two years ago, the Internet Users Team (Delegation of Internet Users (DUI) launched "Internet together", which offers a wide range of computer hardware and training services to encourage beginners to use them.
At home computer support services is a business that has experienced remarkable growth, thanks to tax benefits of the Borloo law, stresses the DUI.
"The main barriers to Internet access are age, income, socio-professional class and level of education," says the DUI.
By Stephane de Sakutin AFP
© 2008 AFP
Translated from French by Seniors World Chronicle
