If your parent is having trouble learning how to use the computer, you may want to check out a new program created by actress Florence Henderson.

Henderson, who is in her seventies, confessed on the Today show this morning that she used to be terrified of the computer. Now she’s a Facebook pro who Skypes, downloads audio clips, posts videos and chats online with her children and grandchildren.

In an effort to help other technophobes, she’s created a service called the FloH Club, which she’s billing as a sort of roadside assistance for computer users. It is currently available for PC users; Mac support is on the way.

To learn about monthly or yearly memberships in the FloH Club, click here.

Tomorrow is the last day to register for the 10th annual Senior Law Day, coming to the Westchester County Center on Oct. 15.

The event, run by the county’s Department of Senior Programs and Services, will offer presentations from experts in elder law, financial planning and caregiving. It is free and open to the public.

There will be 13 workshops on a wide variety of topics, including age discrimination in the workplace and “smart gifing” to children and grandchildren. Two sessions will be in Spanish.

From noon to 1 p.m., lawyers and certified financial planners will also offer free one-on-one 15-minute consultations, by advance appointment only.

Register for the free sessions (above) and for the event itself by Oct. 9. Call 914-813-6400

Senior Law Day, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15, includes a free breakfast.

Admission is also free. For more info, go to westchestergov.com

I was at the doctor’s office yesterday when an older man arrived with his caregiver for an appointment.

He had neglected to bring his insurance card. All his caregiver had was his Social Security number, a dangerous bit of information if it gets into the wrong hands.

As it turned out, the caregiver emptied the man’s wallet and found his Medicare card stuffed in among all sorts of papers. So the story had a happy ending. I mean the man got to see the doctor and didn’t have to worry about his lost insurance card.

But it left me thinking: how do you screen a caregiver  to make sure your loved one doesn’t get scammed? Or even worse, victimized?

Here’s a link to a recent story on that topic from the AARP Bulletin.

I was one of the people who rushed to read Nora Epron’s book about aging when it came out three years ago.

I also identified with Ephron’s obsession: I’m not crazy about my neck either.

This morning, I flipped on the TV to see that the CBS Early Show is doing a series on new, less invasive ways to fight aging. Watch this clip, however, and you’ll feel sorry for the CBS producer who volunteered her face to be injected on national television.

I think she should come back on the air in a few weeks and we’ll see if the swelling and weirdness are gone.

Meanwhile, I’ll  just take off my glasses when I look in the mirror. Nothing like a myopic haze to wipe years off your appearance.

Can any of you tell us what it’s like to have Botox or fillers? You can post anonymously. Please!! Tell us!

I heard on the radio today that one of my favorite shows of all time is turning 50 today.

“Twilight Zone” first went on the air on Oct. 2, 1959. How quickly time flies!

What was your favorite episode?

Two friends turning 50 are both firmly opposed to birthday  parties — or so they say.

One of them, a man, says there’s no need to celebrate. The other, a woman, is insistent that nobody throw her a surprise party.

I’d hate for either of them to turn 50 in their living rooms, eating dinner and watching TV like it was any other boring night. Then again, for some people, it’s not a milestone  they’d like to share with the world.

Unfortunately, the Internet has made it near-impossible to hide your age (you’ve all been on LookUpAnyone.com, haven’t you? Or am I the only nosy fact-finder in the neighborhood?).

So if that’s the motivating factor behind nixing a big birthday bash, I say forget it.

I think it’s important to celebrate birthdays, big and small…and I’m planning on celebrating both my friends’ upcoming milestones, even it means pulling up a chair and watching TV alongside them.

But I hope I can convince them their birthdays deserve grander festivities.

Have you regretted saying “no parties” for your own big birthdays?

I usually write about traditional sandwich-generation issues. But recently I found myself in the middle of a different kind of situation: a family feud.

Perhaps the word ‘feud’ is too strong. But there was an incident last week, at a family gathering, that has had a tremendous impact on everyone who was there. And I have found myself taking sides — much to the distress of the person against whom I am siding.

Cryptic enough for you? Sorry that I can’t be more forthcoming. But suffice it to say the explosion has had far-reaching effects and threatens to divide the family. I find it heartbreaking and I’m completely consumed with thoughts of what happened.

I have tried to be the peace maker, but it is tough convincing people that their behavior was wrong when they insist they are right. And nobody wants an apology that isn’t heartfelt.

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a family feud? How do you prevent it from destroying relationships?

Yes, I am also getting very tired of the word “cougar.’’ But I’m going to watch the new TV series “Cougar Town,” debuting tonight at 9:30 on ABC.

I know in advance that the lead character looks nothing like the typical woman over 40: she’s played by Courteney Cox. Anyway…I’m curious about the show.

Think it will be a waste of time?

As I mentioned a few days ago, Sleepy Hollow psychologist Carin Rubenstein’s new book is filled with wisdom —  backed up by research.

After my interview with her yesterday, I’ve learned one of the reasons women function so well is that our brains are wired to multitask. Perhaps that explains why we become such good caretakers of children and parents while holding down a job. It’s that ability to compartmentalize.

If you’re a caregiver living in the river towns, free support is available from a program being launched this fall Read more of this entry »