Jean, 84 Shropshire

84 year old Jean uses the internet every day and can't imagine life without it.  However, just four years ago, Jean didn't even know how to switch a computer on!  A friend had left a laptop at her house, and curious to find out how it worked, she signed up for a computer course at a local community centre.

"I was the oldest person in the class by far" says Jean, "I was a bit nervous at first, but I needn't have been, it was so much fun! The younger members in the group were so supportive; they really helped me and spurred me on."

The course took Jean through basic computer skills, progressing up to word processing and emailing.  Now Jean uses the internet nearly every day:

"There are so many benefits of the internet. I don't buy newspapers anymore, I just read them online. I shop online - I buy books, and sometimes do my supermarket shopping. It is really easy to do, and great as sometimes I can't get out of the house. I simply log onto the internet, choose what I want, and the supermarket delivers it to my house."

"I also use email everyday to keep in touch with my friends and family. It's amazing - although I live in the countryside, I never feel lonely as I can send and receive instant messages over the internet. I used to send letters but they always take a while to arrive, and with the internet the communication can be instant, which is much more satisfactory. A little while ago I accidentally left my home phone off the hook and my daughter sent me an email saying 'Mum! Put your phone down properly!'. 

"The internet also makes me feel more secure about buying things in general, as I can research a company or product on the internet before I buy from them. I also like the ease with which you can contact companies, for example, the other day I had a complaint about something I had bought, I simply looked the company up on the internet and sent them an email - I got an instant response from them! A few years ago, I would have found out the address of the company and written them a letter which would have been far less satisfactory."

Jean wants to encourage all non-internet users to give it a go and get logged on. "If I can do it anyone can!" says Jean, "I really hope that my story will inspire others to give the internet a go.  There are so many benefits, don't be frightened just try it and you will be amazed!"

See also:

Keeping the family up-to-date

Instant source of information

A great interest in antiques

Up-to-date with new technologies

Historical days out

Absolutely indispensable

Golden Gliders

A great hobby

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