Jane Egi, rights, gets help from volunteer Marian Yuen in a computer networking class at Honolulu Community College. The class is offered through SeniorNet, an international group that helps older adults gain access to computer technology. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Computer literacy isn't a priority for Sato, 59. A postage stamp rather than a "send" command works just fine for the Honolulu resident, who prefers typing letters on a word processor rather than Microsoft Word.

"I just never was good with machines, and I always seem to mess things up," she said.

Sato is among thousands of older Islanders who haven't made the computer connection because of a fear of the unknown, a feeling it isn't necessary, or other reasons, local computer instructors say.

"They're intimidated by it," said Pete Merrifield, a volunteer computer instructor at Honolulu Community College's Emeritus College.

Merrifield, 72, is a member of the Honolulu chapter of SeniorNet, an international nonprofit organization that gives older adults education and access to computer technology.

A life without computer technology is hard to imagine, Merrifield said after a recent class he taught on how to create a household budget spreadsheet using Microsoft Works.

"First thing in the morning, I visit the AARP (Web) site to do the jigsaw puzzle," said the Makiki resident and retired manufacturing company supervisor. "It's good for seniors to wake up and stimulate their minds."

Games aside, it's essential for elders to learn to use computers "to communicate with their families and friends and to access the senior citizens Web sites," Merrifield said. "There's a lot of valuable information out there."

SeniorNet volunteer Henry Wong, 78, gets at least a dozen e-mails every day from family and friends in California, Washington, D.C. and China.

"It's exciting," said Wong, a retired sales representative from Kaimuki. "People send me pictures and I send pictures out."

E-mail also can serve as a bridge between generations, Merrifield said. "We've found that a lot of senior citizens have grandchildren living outside of Hawai'i, and they just love it. They just take pictures of themselves and e-mail them to each other."

Everyday uses of technology for seniors are endless: reading the morning newspaper online, sending Web greeting cards to children living abroad or booking travel reservations online, to name a few.

They all add up to convenience, as well as cost- and time-effectiveness.

Learning how to use a computer means getting comfortable with the unfamiliar, said Marion Yuen, 65, a SeniorNet volunteer instructor for more than a dozen years. It's a matter of baby steps.

"The computer won't break down," Yuen assures first-time users.

Computer classes geared toward elders are offered at community colleges and community centers statewide (see box).

Many offering an introduction to personal computers cover software, hardware, keyboards, monitors and printers, plus a brief introduction to word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, the Internet and a host of other topics.

"We just need to get them familiar with the basics, then from there they'll expand," said Yuen, a retired teacher from Kaimuki. "The biggest thing is to see their eyes light up. It's so satisfying."

Meanwhile, Sato, the Honolulu resident who has never used a computer, said she might come around eventually.

"Lately I've been getting kind of nervous, because everything's about computers," she said.

"I might change my mind later."

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.