High speed internet keeping the elderly connected

Allan Miller of Kingston, Jamaica, uses his computer daily to read and write e-mails, play games, and to talk to his daughter in the United States via instant messaging.

That might not sound particularly special--until you discover that Allan Miller is 101 years old.

His vocabulary includes expressions like "IM" (instant messaging), "search engine" and "email", which is surprising considering that the information age and the Internet technology took off in the 1990s, when Miller was in his 80s and already past what some would describe as his 'prime'.

Miller learned to use a computer from his oldest son about six years ago. The internet helps him to continue living a fulfilling life, even though his age has affected his mobility:

"I have a good brain, the brain is 100 per cent. The flesh is a little weak but the brain is good," said Miller who wears tested glasses and who is slightly hard of hearing.

Miller was recently rewarded for his daily internet use with life-time high speed internet access which will allow him to use the phone and surf the internet simultaneously. That's a considerable gift, since his previous dial-up internet bill ran about $1,000 per month.

This is yet another example of the many ways high speed internet can improve people's lives. In the United States, millions of seniors could benefit from online communication and activities, which help them stay in touch with friends and family and keep their minds sharp. As Allan Miller's story proves, seniors are willing and able to use high speed internet. They just need to get access.

101-y-o 'techo' gets free lifetime high-speed Internet access (Jamaica Observer)