Seniors and E-Readers

A few months ago, I got a Kindle for my birthday and it is awesome! I am reading more now than I ever use to. I started asking the residents at my retirement community what they suggested I read next. When I explained that I just got a Kindle, I began to learn from my "readers" who else had a Kindle or E-Reader. I found that my e-readers are like a quiet cult in the community. They all know who has what device and have sent many of their "members" into my office to share in the excitement of my new discovery. They were thrilled to be able to help me and to make suggestions to a "newbie." I never thought that I would be getting lessons from the residents on technology, but I received a couple of very good pointers.

The other day, I had a resident come to me and ask about our community's wireless Internet access. I discovered that he was trying to get started on his new Kindle and did not have wireless in his apartment. It was such a thrill to be able to get him hooked up and watch the excitement as he down loaded his first book. I am still amazed with the advancements in technology that I've seen in my lifetime. I can not imagine how someone twice my age must feel when the realize that they've just received a book on a handheld device!

As an activities director with independent living residents, I know that most of the residents want to read from their Kindles or E-Readers on their own, in the privacy of their own home or when they are waiting in the doctor's office. I do wonder, however, if there is a way to bring out the members of the quiet cult to meet and share ideas with one another in a formal setting. We do have a book club that meets regularly, but it is designed to be a small group so that they can have discussions about the book. Food for thought. I'd be curious to hear from you if you have anything structured in your community for Kindle users. I think that I will put out an interest sheet and see what happens. I'll keep you posted!

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