
Part 2: Elderly Education
As we explained in the first segment of a four part series, keeping our brains sharp well into our senior years is an age-old concern and there are a host of factors that may contribute to a sharper mind late in life. Today’s post is going to focus on education; that is, education-related products and gadgets concerned with sight, hearing, touch , and computers that will help hone your critical thinking skills.
Bamboo Pen Tablet with Pen Only

With the natural feel of pen-on-paper, Bamboo plugs into your computer and makes it quick and easy for you to get your point across. Now there’s a simple, easy and more natural way to bring your big ideas to life. Use Bamboo to transform your thoughts into powerful digital communications. Combine Bamboo with Mac Inkwell or Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 to hand write email, enter text by hand anywhere typed text is accepted, and navigate your desktop with a flick of the pen.
Coby Voice Activated Micro Cassette Recorder

Record dictation, lectures or interviews with the Coby Voice Activated Micro Cassette Recorder. Selectable two-speed recording and playback ensures great recording quality, while the omni-directional microphone provides optimal audio pickup. Play back your recording via built-in full-range speakers, or plug in your headphones for private listening.
iPod Classic

The iPod Classic gives you 120GB of storage capacity, good for up to 30,000 songs, 150 hours of video, 25,000 photos or a combination of these mediums. The iPod also has up to 36 hours of battery life, which is terrific for the senior who want to educate themselves and expand their musical horizons.
Working in clay is especially good for the elderly. It gives them a chance to work their muscles and minds in a new way. It also promotes dexterity and improves hand-eye coordination.
Canada’s Art Clay Silver

When Art Clay Silver is taken out of the package, it is a slightly moist lump of clay, composed of silver powder, organic binders and water. The clay is then molded into its desired shape and dried. After completely drying, the clay can then be filed, sculpted, and sanded, after which it is fired with a gas stove top, butane torch or kiln. All but one of Art Clay’s products are non-toxic, and most carry the Art & Creative Materials Institute’s (ACMI) Approved Product seal.
Play-Doh 50th Birthday Rainbow Pack with 50 Different Colors

Celebrate Play-Doh’s 50th birthday with this set that includes 50 cans of everyone’s favorite molding material. Make an endless array of creations with the various colors.
Do·A·Dot Art
Do·A·Dot Art ® is easy to use, as there are no cups or brushes to set up or clean up, no drips or spills and the product won’t dry out if the cap is left off. The large design is perfect for senior hands to grip.
Gadgets that Help Seniors Develop Computer Skills
3M™ Ergonomic Mouse

The 3M™ Ergonomic Mouse has earned an Ease-of-Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation for its patented vertical grip design that keeps your hand and wrist at a neutral angle, while the mouse works as a regular optical mouse. Grip the handle allows seniors to rest their hands on the base and click away using their thumb for the left and right clickers. This mouse contains an optical sensor and a wireless USB-compatible plug and play. It also contains soft-touch painted surfaces for added comfort.
Zoom Text Software

Combining the revolutionary new features of the ZoomText Magnifier with a powerful set of reading tools, the Magnifier/Reader gives you the total computer access solution. Seniors can see and hear what they’re doing, while the ZoomText reads their documents, web pages and email – right through the computer’s speakers. Click here to read our initial post on the benefits of the ZoomText Magnifier.
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Perhaps you want to reviews to products mentioned above:
-Coby Voice Activated Micro Cassette Recorder

The RC46 clock radio by RCA is the perfect companion in the morning. This alarm clock rates high in all the major categories. Throw in its' affordability, and this is one of the better ones out there.
A simply snazzy alarm clock. The Electric Alarm Clock from Elgin gives you 7 different display colors to choose from.
The iC172 iPod dock alarm clock radio by Emerson features more than an iPod docking station. It features an integrated LCD projector which allows you to project the time in LARGE numerals onto your wall or ceiling. The large projected display is ideal for anyone who has poor vision or a difficult time seeing without the aid of eye glasses.
Wake to your docked iPod, the radio, or--if you must--a classic buzzer alarm. Whichever you choose, a gradual alarm feature gently raises the alarm volume, so it's not too jarring. Great options and features on a great alarm clock.
Newly designed for 2010 with a bigger display and bigger sound, the iP90 represents the latest in iHome's #1 clock radio franchise. Made to charge, play and wake to iPhone/iPod, it has many great features including a remote, AM/FM pre-sets, dual alarm, Time Sync, 7-5-2 alarm settings and more.
With a unique wedge design and silver case with a blue lens cover, the Sharp SPC019F Red LED Alarm Clock with a Wedge Style Case will add a dash of color and flair to your bedside table. A red 0.6-inch LED display ensures that you'll always know exactly what time it is, and an alarm with a snooze feature means that you can catch a few extra winks before starting your day.


