computers for elderly

[hellsbells4]

My mum, aged 95, is mentally very sharp still, but is largely chair-bound. She loves playing solitaire etc on a laptop but the one she has has an on/off switch that is just too small and fiddly for her to manage. Does anyone know of any computers/consoles designed for the elderly?

I recently bought her a Nintendo XL which is ok - but again not perfect because it is quite small. Anyone else familiar with this scenario - or is my mum a bit of an oddity?

Haven't got anything useful to say but just very impressed that she is so good with technology! My Mum aged 76 struggles with the phone! She is an intelligent educated woman but just doesn't let herself do technology.

thanks gremlin - yes tell me about it! She learned how to present a radio program each week in her late 70s - inserting all the jingles, time checks etc! as well as having researched and written the script for each week's program. Since then she has used her computer mainly for a massive family history and family tree project which she has now completed. Now her trouble is that her brain is still extremely active but (perhaps due to years of typewriting) the nerves in her fingers have worn out and she has very little, if any, sensation in her fingers.
Mum has always had a peculiar combination of phobias about everything from darkness, corridors, agoraphobia, choking, being on her own for even a few minutes - and that's just for starters! But give her a physical challenge or a new piece of technology and that brings out a ferocious determination to conquer it!

Have you tried looking on RNIB site ?
I know your mum is not blind but they sometimes have stuff which is easier to use IYSWIM ?

Would an iPad be worth a look? Good on her! An inspiration!!

I heard about this in the radio one day. Don't have any personal experience but here's a link:

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8352606.stm

I know one of the people behind SimplicITy. They're a good bunch. I'm not sure what options there are for the dexterity impaired but give them a call on 0800 028 0417 and they might well be able to help.