Senior Friendly Guide to Keyboards

Many of us are intimidated and confused with computers; Mac or PC? 100 or 150 gigs? Desktop or laptop? But instead of becoming overwhelmed with these sorts of variables, we suggest that you start simple. Pick some sort of manageable component of a computer, with the features and functions that you understand. A keyboard is as good as a place to start as any; you do not necessarily need a degree in computer science to figure out which keyboard works best for you.

Aging adults come across various physical difficulties with standard generic keyboards. Seniors, are prone to carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury, both of which commonly come from typing. In fact, 3 out of every 10,000 people a year lose time at work from carpal tunnel syndrome, so taking preventive measures is essential for your own safety. Typing doesn’t have to result in physical harm for your wrists or fingers.

Most discussions of the ways in which seniors interact with keyboards start with understanding and finding a keyboard with a friendly bio-mechanical design. Keyboards with padding and lighting also can be of use to certain seniors.