Handheld Computers Give Active Seniors a Helping Hand

Unlike the stereotype, many seniors aren't running from new computer technologies these days. A growing number of seniors are embracing technological advances, recognizing the benefits that computers provide. From tracking and organizing information to maintaining checkbook balances, creating daily “to-do” lists and managing investment portfolios, the potential to simplify life is appealing to those of all age groups.

More active than ever, today's seniors are often on-the-go, and lugging around a computer is cumbersome at best. A wide array of handheld computers known as personal digital assistants, or PDAs, provides much of the same functionality as a desktop computer, offering a practical solution for those with an active lifestyle.

A wide variety of software add-ons and accessories are available and can make a pocket-sized computer an even more powerful asset, giving you the ability to stay on top of your schedule or access necessary information at a moment’s notice -- even if you’re away from home.

While many handhelds are used as stand-alone organizers, providing access to addresses, phone numbers and appointments with the tap of a stylus, others include wireless connectivity that enable users to check email, receive data downloads or browse Web pages. Most devices include the ability to “synchronize” data with a desktop PC, providing a method of backing up information while allowing access on both computers.

To get the most out of your handheld, consider installing one or more third-party software applications. There are literally thousands available that promise to increase productivity (word processors, e-mail programs, databases, reference works) . . . or even decrease it (games)!

Following are some excellent software options to consider for your mobile device:

Beiks (www.beiks.com) is a top provider of reference works for mobile devices, including medical dictionaries, medication guides, and medical encyclopedias. The company also offers standard language dictionaries and, for those who travel or deal with people that speak languages other than English, talking phrasebooks that verbally convey the proper pronunciation of words or phrases in another dialect.

Taking an oversized Bible to church or study groups can also be a cumbersome task. Did you know you can fit the entire Bible on a PDA? Laridian (www.laridian.com) provides you with easy access to the entire Bible in your favorite translation. You can read, search, take notes, and even compare translations.

While you may have an on-the-go lifestyle, let’s face it . . . we all need some downtime and diversions. For example, those with a green thumb will enjoy LDW Software’s (www.ldw.com) Plant Tycoon, a game in which you run a plant nursery growing a wide variety of beautiful plants and experiment with cross-pollination until you find four magic plants. The company’s Fish Tycoon is similar, except you are breeding and caring for exotic fish. Both games run in “real-time,” which means when you turn your PDA off, the games will continue to play unless you pause them.

If you enjoy card games, check out the games by DreamQuest Software (www.dq.com). The company offers Hearts, Spades, Euchre, 500 and Cribbage. You can either challenge the computer on a PC or handheld or engage your friends over a local or wireless network.

There are many, many other types of software products that fit your own lifestyle needs. Want to show off pictures of your grandkids? See SplashData’s SplashPhoto (www.splashdata.com). Want to be able to send and receive e-mail while on-the-road? See Corsoft’s Aileron (www.corsoft.com). Thousands of software products can be purchased online at popular Web sites such as Handango.com and PalmGear.com.

Once you have purchased your PDA and packed it with powerful software, you will want to carry it in style. The problem with toting a portable device in your shirt, pants or coat pocket is that they commonly fall out and crash to the floor. Check out the assortment of leather and aluminum cases available at StylusCentral (www.styluscentral.com). This site also has a wide variety of stylus replacements, including a very cool laser pointer/stylus/pen combo that can be used to jot notes, enter data on your PDA or highlight objects hundreds of feet away. You can also use that red dot to drive your cat crazy!

Many retirees have realized that life after retirement hasn’t made life less hectic. A day full of household tasks, shopping trips, volunteer and social engagements, road trips, etc., can make your days seem busier than when you worked a regular schedule. Check out for yourself how a handheld computer can put whatever information you may need at your fingertips -- no matter where you are!