One Kind Act Using New Technologies

Don't Isolate Our Seniors.

It occurred to me after I wrote a blog about not isolating our seniors that the very thing that isolates our seniors could be turned into a kind act. Why not use the new technologies to help them. Consider a talking book club for seniors.

My experience with talking book machines began as a volunteer  The Library for the Blind Regional office in the city where I lived. My employer was the Southern Bell Telephone Company. Its employee service organization is the Telephone Pioneers of America who are known for their outstanding services in the communities in America. The Telephone Pioneers repair the talking book machines and record many of the books for the US Library for the Blind. Books in large print, braille and audio books are available on loan and free shipping.

Over The years the digital talking books have appeared for a new and easier way to read a book. Many local libraries have the digital talking books in which they loan. They may even have the talking book instruments on loan.

Why not start a Digital Talking Book Club for seniors. Meetings could be in a local library by arranging time and space. Local Senior Centers would love to have a new activity for its members. A neighborhood meeting space would be good. After all it would be for seniors who need activities and interactions with others. An assisted living facility could let their clients here new books just published or perhaps some of their old favorites. How wonderful it would be to hear them discuss "The Help"!

It would be a wonderful experience for everyone:the book leader who does not have access to a book club; The senior who can't see well; the nursing home patient who needs more than medical care; and the housewife who needs to interact.

How to get started?

* Contact your local library for the availability of talking books.
* Contact local Senior Centers for space and time. Also, contact assisted
    living facilities for interest time and space.
* Contact any known local book clubs for volunteers to lead a book club.
   Librarians and library volunteers could be available. Teachers would be
   another good source.
* Find companies who would donate audio books and equipment to play
   them. Some local libraries have both. Many companies have a volunteer
   program to help subsidize programs for the seniors.
* Contact companies who manufacture audio books and equipment.

  Using new techies will brighten a seniors world by staying connected.