Head of renowned Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging encourages nation's Seniors to take a 'byte' out of the aging process by turning on their computers

RESEDA, Calif., April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the first of the baby boomers turning 65, the head of one of the country's leading senior care facilities is encouraging older Americans to stay young and keep "connected" to the mainstream by turning on their computers.

Molly Forrest, chief executive officer and president of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging - the largest single-source provider of senior housing in the western United States - believes one of the keys for boomers to continue as a vital part of society is through "computer keys. Indeed these keys can help this group age successfully by mastering the computer age," Forrest said.

"Through the Internet they'll be able to manage their investment and retirement planning, access the latest Social Security and Medicare information, and address many of their lifestyle needs including communicating with their children and grandchildren."

Despite myths to the contrary, research shows that those older than 65 constitute the fastest-growing group of American Internet users.

On average, 69 percent of wired seniors use the Internet, compared with 56 percent of all users. And seniors use email as much as any other age group, according to the Department of Commerce. Their numbers are forecast to more than triple over the next five years, with their ranks soon reaching over 34 million strong and accounting for over 20 percent of new Internet users.

At the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging, computers will play an increasing role as the Home continues with the largest expansion in its history.

 "As part of our ongoing commitment to 'mind, body and spirit,' our new hospital with computer training facilities and in-room computer access will offer our residents unprecedented opportunities for mastering technology," Forrest said.

Forrest said there are a multitude of reasons for seniors to log on including::

It's possible to continue to be employable longer. "Contrary to popular belief, seniors' desire for continued employability is higher than expected," she said.

Online purchasing is a great way to "go shopping" without the complications of depending on others to get you there..

Socialization. "What a great way to communicate with others outside your immediate circle," Forrest said.

Access to information for both pragmatic living needs and to promote intellectual vigor and independence.

Maintaining mental acuity. "Exercising the brain is a huge plus in the world of computers," Forrest said. "Games on the Web aren't just for teens. Brain stimulation like that offered in challenging online memory games can be instrumental in keeping us sharp."

It is also possible, according to Forrest, that older adults who use computers are less likely to become depressed than seniors who don't use computers.

For those senior non-users who are intimidated and lack understanding of how a computer and the Internet can benefit them, Forrest recommends they take the time to do a little research with family, friends or partake in community courses throughout the U.S., which can provide a preliminary introduction to computer use.

Founded in 1912, the world-renowned Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging is one of the foremost continuing residential-care facilities for seniors in the United States and is the largest single-source provider of senior housing in Los Angeles. Each year, nearly 1,000 women and men are sheltered on two village campuses (spanning 16 acres), which feature independent-living "Neighborhood Home" accommodations, residential care, skilled nursing care, Alzheimer's disease and dementia care, and hospice.

Healthcare professionals from around the world consult with the Jewish Home in an effort to improve eldercare in their home countries. The Home is a nonprofit organization that relies upon donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to continue its remarkable work. Further information regarding the Home can be found online at http://www.jha.org/ or by calling 818-757-4407.

Source: Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging