Over 35 million Americans are estimated to be over the age of 65. Clearly, many of these people are active and living independently. However, there is also strong evidence that many of the elderly population develop problems with social isolation as they leave work, develop more physical limitations, have family members move further away, and lose friends through death and disability.

In turn, social isolation is said to significantly increase the likelihood of physical and mental deterioration and risk of death. Additionally, some experts have suggested that maintaining longstanding relationships is not only easier but also more beneficial than making new friends. (See ec-online.net) Certainly, contact with loved ones is critical to maintain as we, and our parents and grandparents, age. For millions of busy families, many living a significant distance from their older loved ones, this presents a question as to how they can increase their contact and connectedness with a parent or grandparent to help prevent the isolation that can creep in over time.

Interestingly, a study by Bradley and Poppen which was published in Technology and Disability, Volume 15 in 2003 concluded that "assistive technology, computers, and the internet may decrease the sense of isolation for homebound elderly" via camaraderie and friendship. Clearly, even those who were previously outgoing may find it difficult to maintain ties due to distance and physical limitations which the internet can erase. Unfortunately, for many loving family members and caregivers it is not uncommon that an elderly person who is unaccustomed to operating a computer is unwilling or unable to make use of such a device.

Certainly too, in some instances there are budget considerations. A computer is not only somewhat complex to use at times for those less familiar with such devices but also a bit costly to purchase and to gain regular access to the internet.

Recently however, HP and Presto introduced a new service that could provide a tool to help alleviate this problem: a printing mailbox that delivers e-mails, photos and other content without the need for a computer or internet connection. The device allows designated friends and family members to send an unlimited number of messages at no cost. The recipient doesn't have to do anything; the messages and photos merely print off at selected times throughout the day. In fact, if a friend or family member will arrange for the service and plug the printer into a wall outlet and existing phone jack, the user only needs to insert standard paper and an ink cartridge occasionally.

Once the HP Printing Mailbox is purchased, the only cost is $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually for the service which is truly unlimited. Users can even select to receive other content such as Suduko or crossword puzzles, news articles, recipes, and similar items of interest. They will however, never receive unwanted mail such as spam as there is no internet connection.

The HP Printing Mailbox is not the solution to the problem of social isolation but clearly it is a tool that can help families and friends stay in frequent contact and help thwart the loneliness and understimulation that plagues many of the elderly.