Ideas for helping elders get access to Internet music
October 7, 2013 11:22 PM   Subscribe

Are there any good resources for helping a low-income senior get Internet access?

I'm in San Francisco trying to help an elderly former record store owner get access to online music service. He's cooped up with nothing but network TV shows he doesn't like but was excited when exposed to Spotify via a visitor's 4G smartphone connection.

Wondering if there is some company or organization that would help him get broadband at a discounted rate for an older person living in an apartment for elders, maybe by sharing a signal with neighbors. Maybe there is a nonprofit that is working on similar issues? Any ideas much appreciated.
posted by steinsaltz to Computers & Internet (4 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
The local library would be where I'd start. They have people trained to get seniors online.
posted by empath at 11:29 PM on October 7, 2013




I don't have a recommendation for connectivity, but once he's online, The Alexander Street Press Music Databases are incredible sources of streaming albums. All he needs is an SF Public Library card (and Internet access).
posted by mumkin at 1:11 AM on October 8, 2013 [2 favorites]


I don't know about music, but another service your friend might like is radio reading. It's a program that gives the elderly (and other qualified individuals) with visual and physical impairments a specialized radio that only plays news and general interest programs. The radio is provided and all he would need is electricity. The programs usually consist of a person reading the newspaper, a magazine or book. It might be worth checking if the service is available in his area.

Search for Audio Information Services (directory)
posted by 1smartcookie at 10:25 PM on October 8, 2013


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