CNNdotCOM Tools: Sites for seniors

From Mary Kathleen Flynn
CNNdotCOM Correspondent

(CNN) -- The golden years have never been better now that older Americans are online.

"I've heard of people who are 80, 85, even 90 who are getting on the Internet," said Ken Leebow, author of "300 Incredible Things for Seniors on the Internet." "Some people are bound in their homes, so it's an unbelievable way (to communicate)."

Leebow joined us to discuss the sites most helpful to senior citizens, starting with SeniorNet, which has learning centers across the country to train beginner Web surfers. At a SeniorNet learning center, you'll be taught the basics by a fellow senior citizen.

Another good place to start is the tips section of SeniorTips.Com, where you can gather information on making your computer experience a better one. Need larger type on your screen for easier reading? SeniorTips.Com guides you through the steps.

VIDEO CNN's Mary Kathleen Flynn reports on how it's never too late to learn about the Web Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)     QUICKVOTE The seniors you know primarily use the Web for: a. Research b. Entertainment c. News d. E-mail View Results     RESOURCES Web resources for seniors

Once you've set yourself up at SeniorTips.Com, move on to AARP's Web site, which Leebow described as "exceptional." The site guides you in estate planning, financial planning, and lists the most important documents to put away for safekeeping. AARP also tries to simplify the Internet by recommending Web sites, like the 100 best health Web sites. And you can put your magnifying glass aside because the site features a larger text size.

On the lighter side, iGrandparents.com is a fun site to plan activities with the grandchildren. You can search activities by age of the child, types of projects, and levels of learning. The site also assists you in creating a free Web page, for posting all those family photos you can't fit in your wallet.

And if you don't own a computer, local libraries can get you connected on their computers.

"Get out to the library," Leebow said. "The Internet is in fact a huge library, so everything is there at your fingertips."

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CNNdotCOM
300Incredible.com
SeniorNet
SeniorTips.Com
AARP
iGrandparents.com

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