When I call myself a behind-the-times technophobe, I’m not joking. I barely knew what a blog was a month or so ago, and now I have one. For someone who finally bought a DVD player about three years ago, I actually find this kind of exciting.
Maybe you’re interested in learning more about computers and the internet, but you’re reluctant to give it a shot. I say, here’s your chance. Just go to http://healthalliancelongview.blogspot.com/. If you don’t have access to a computer, your local library may offer free computer and internet use, or ask your kids and grandkids for a quick lesson.
When you check out The Long View blog online, you’ll see how easy it is for me to share what’s on my mind, whether it’s about getting a bit older, about the valuable community resources we all could benefit from or about my Health Alliance Medicare duties. The nice thing about the blogging world is people get to say what they want to say and share it with others—divergent opinions about a common interest.
Comments are essential for making blogs and other online venues conversational, so I hope you’ll share your thoughts on mine.
And while I hope online conversations never replace the real, face-to-face kind, I think this a unique way for people to connect. Imagine the friends you could make, the discussions and debate you could have about everything from the good old days to what’s new today.
Of course, I want you to keep reading the Active Boomers and Seniors publication you’re holding in your hands. It’s full of valuable information, and I’m always pleased Health Alliance Medicare and I have the privilege of being part of it.
Or maybe you’re not as tech-nervous as I am, and you’re reading this column online at www.theactiveseniors.com. If you are, you might have discovered that the site invites others to share their thoughts online like I do. With blog and forum opportunities there, people of any age can make the kind of connections that only new technology can bring.
Maybe you’ll even be inspired to create your own blog and make your own online connections. If so, I wish you well. This techno-phobe is willing to take the plunge. This big step in my personal growth may inspire me to dispose of that box of eight-track tapes I’ve been saving all these years. Will wonders never cease?
Patrick Harness is the community representative for Health Alliance Medical Plans, located at Lincoln Square Village in Urbana. For more information about community resources for seniors or any of the Health Alliance Medicare plans, reach him at 1-800-965-4022 or patrick.harness@healthalliance.org.