Using the Internet Safely For Seniors

Play Games on Handheld Devices

You’ve seen kids playing with handheld devices such as Game Boy,

Sony PSP, and Nintendo DS, but these easy to take with you devices

have lots to offer seniors as well. Most handheld devices can connect

with other players, and interact with other devices in your nearby vicin-

ity so you can play with other gamers. If used to play with people in

your vicinity that you do not know, these devices carry the same types

of risks you can face in other interactive online environments and the

same precautions should be taken.

With great games like Tetris, any number of card games, Sudoku, and

more, these devices provide lots of entertainment while you’re sitting in

your dentist’s or doctor’s waiting room, or waiting for a bus. Playing

challenging games is a great way to keep your mind sharp.

Play Games on Your Mobile Phone

Your cell phone probably has at least a couple of games installed on

it — have you tried them out? Mobile games that come preinstalled on

mobile phones or are downloaded for a small fee are mostly single

player games.(It’s just you against the game.) Hundreds of mobile

phone games are available (see Figure 10-7). Check on your mobile

phone carrier’s site to see which games your phone can support.

Figure 10-7

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Part II: Using the Internet While Dodging the Risk