Computer Education For Seniors

Recently, several people suggested that I check out a website that teaches computers to seniors.  Not only did I explore their website but I also participated in their free on-line course, “Search the Internet”.  This is an impressive website.

“The nonprofit SeniorNet provides adults 50+ access to and education about computer technology and the Internet to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.”

SeniorNet, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, publishes a quarterly newsletter and instructional material, offers on-line courses, has over 210 Learning Centers throughout the U.S. (none in Missouri), holds national and regional conferences, and collaborates in research on older adults and technology.  Seniors are also welcome to participate in the topic discussion “roundtables” and chat room found on the website.

SeniorNet grew out of a research project funded by the Markle Foundation to determine if computers and telecommunication could enhance the lives of older adults.

Membership dues, Learning Center fees, the altruistic donations of individuals, and the sponsorship of companies and foundations fund SeniorNet.

The SeniorNet offers a free on-line course to visitors of the website.  “Learning to Search the Web” has four lessons and four practice activities.  The activities allow you to actually search the web while remaining on their website.

This is a good website to explore www.seniornet.org There is a lot to see and learn.

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The Missouri State Flag  

– The Forty-seventh General Assembly of Missouri passed the act adopting an official state flag for Missouri in 1913.

The flag consists of three large horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue, and was thought to represent characteristics of Missouri and Missourians.       

The blue stripe represented vigilance, permanency, and justice.  The red stripe represented valor, and the white symbolized purity.

The Missouri coat-of-arms appeared in the center of the flag, signifying Missouri’s independence as a state, but, nevertheless, its place as a part of the whole United States.  Twenty-four stars surrounded the coat-of-arms, denoting Missouri’s position as the twenty-fourth state.

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The Hardest Job

After a parent or spouse dies, paperwork may be the last thing on your mind.  Nevertheless, it’s important.  Gather your loved one’s will and other documents, such as bank and brokerage statements and insurance policies.  Then:

• Call the Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 or go to www.ssa.gov to see whether you’re entitled to benefits, and contact their most recent employer’s human-resources department to check on pension and retirement plans.
• Get at least eight copies of the death certificate—you’ll need them to close bank accounts and settle debts.
• Notify insurers and file claims.
• Meet with a lawyer to begin settling the estate if necessary.
• Arrange for an inventory and a professional appraisal of belongings.
• Ascertain outstanding mortgages and debts.  Don’t pay off a parent’s debt using your own funds—you’re not legally responsible.  By eliminating the debt you could increase taxes on the estate.
• Notify banks, brokerage firms and credit-card companies.
• Call auto and property insurers about continuing coverage until the estate is settled.

“The Inheritor’s Handbook”, by Dan Rottenberg (Bloomberg, 1999)

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How well do you know Missouri?

The primary means of transportation in the early settlement period of Missouri was by:

      a)     Horse
b)     Railroad
c)      River

The first roads in Missouri were:

      a)     Wagon trails
b)     Buffalo paths
c)      Indian trails

Labor to build Missouri’s roads in the early 1800’s was:

      a)     Volunteered by any who chose to help
b)     Provided by slaves
c)      Paid for by the United States government
d)     Provided by all adult males as a requirement of territorial and state law

Answer to question 1: (c) River
Answer to question 2: (c) Indian trails
Answer to question 3: (d) Provided by all adult males…

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Which Generation Do You Belong To?

U.S.  generation designations are based more
on shared experiences than on specific time spans.  
Here are the latest stats:

Generation                       Year Born                   Age in 2000

GI Generation                     pre-1930                           71+

Depression                        1930-1939                       61-70

War Babies                        1940-1945                       55-60

Baby Boom                        1946-1964                       36-54

Generation X                      1965-1976                       24-35

Generation Y                       1977-1994                        6-23

Millennials                            1995+                                0-5

U.S. Census Bureau and American Demographics  

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Mailing Service

If you are interested in having this newsletter mailed to you, please contact us:

University of Missiouri Extension Center of Callaway County
5803 County Road 302, Fulton, MO 65251. 
callawayco@missouri.edu
Tel: (573) 642 0755

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