How the iPad Has Changed One 99-Year-Old Woman’s Life

There are times when two mutually exclusive events collide to create unexpected yet amazing results. During the last few weeks there has been significant media coverage about the release of Apple's new iPad. Like many others, I eagerly anticipated the iPad, because of my love for new technology. Never in my wildest imagination did I consider the impact this new product could have on the life of an elderly person like, Virginia, the woman in this story written by Ben Parr at Mashable...

"We’ve seen iPads and cats go viral. We’ve seen iPads and dogs go viral. But the latest iPad YouTube sensation is far more special: it depicts how the device has changed one 99-year-old woman’s life.

99-year-old Virgina Cambell of Lake Oswego, Oregon is an avid reader, according to The Oregonian. Unfortunately she has glaucoma, which affects her vision and makes it difficult for her to read books. Her solution? The iPad, which is her first computer according to the now-viral video depicting her with the device. Its ability to change fonts and increase screen brightness has given her the ability to read again. It has “changed her life,” according to one of her daughters.

She’s even used the device’s virtual keyvboard to write limericks, like this one about her new Apple tablet:

To this technology-ninny it’s clear
In my compromised 100th year,
That to read and to write
Are again within sight
Of this Apple iPad pioneer.

Apple has to be loving this type of free advertising for its newest product. With more stories like this one popping up every day, it’s no wonder Apple can’t keep up with iPad demand."

Check out the video:

For caregivers, there is always joy to be found when a product or service changes the life of the one we love for the better. If you have a story of your own, please send to dementiathoughts@yahoo.com it would be a blessing to share with the readers of Dementia Thoughts.