Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 6, Number 11, 1 November 1989 — SeniorNet computers for kupuna open new horizons [ARTICLE]

SeniorNet computers for kupuna open new horizons

Maui seniors recently joined thousands of seniors across the United States who are electronically linked through an oniine computer network known as SeniorNet. With a grant of over $10,000 from the Hawaiian Eye Foundation, SeniorNet participants have access to free computer training and computer use at Maui Community College's Visitor lndustry Training and Education Center, the new home of the first Neighbor Island SeniorNet Site. "SeniorNet is a non-profit organization established to create and support an international community of computer-using seniors,"explained

SeniorNet Founder and Director Dr. Mary Furlong. John Corboy, M.D., president of the Hawaiian Eye Foundation, is committed to funding SeniorNet sites throughout Hawai'i, she said. The first Hawai'i SeniorNet site opened in July 1988 at Honolulu Community College. "Over 400 seniors signed up for computer instruction. I view SeniorNet sites as bridges for our senior eommunities in Hawai'i," Corboy said. SeniorNet operates an online telecommunications network known as "electronic city" whieh

links all 28 sites and individual members. In the electronic city, seniors ean participate in forum discussions on health and fitness, retirement planning, or political issues, send electronic messages to online pen pals, eheek stock quotations, or voice their opinions during monthly, live "town hall meetings." Corboy said the geography of Hawai'i makes electronic eommunieahon a natural for seniors. For more information about SeniorNet on Maui, eall 242-1217 or for SeniorNet on O'ahu eall 845-9296.