Internet for Elderly

Government: -So how do we solve the problem of depression in elderly?

Me: -I have an idea! We should teach them to use INTERNET.

Government: -But they can't use computers. They are old!

Me: -Yes they can. And every year there are more and more elderly who can.

Government: -But what would be the benefit?

Me: -Well, they can make new friends, keep up with news, play games, learn about their medical problems, share their wisdom, share their memories, build family trees and even earn money.

Government: -Hm, but they will not pay for it.

Me: -I think medicare should pay for it. It will be covered by skipping a single visit to a psychiatrist.

Ideas for the Tax code.

I am sure others have had this idea, but just in case, I will share it....

Our tax system is too complex. I have done my own taxes using tax preparation software for several years now, and I am certain this complexity is there to create work for accountants.

In my vision, perfect tax system would be a flat tax. Not a percent, but a number. Say $25,000. Why is this? Well, because tax is a way for us to pay for the services government provides to us. As far as I know those are the same for upper middle class and lower class alike. Actually lower classes get a lot more from the government.

So what about the poor? - you ask. Well, the poor are not all created equal. Those at disadvantage (medical, mental, etc) of some sort should get a break in taxes as well as some assistance from public programs. Others, should be made to work for the government to cover their tax obligations - clean streets and parks for example.

Think of your life in the country as a bus ride, why should different people pay different fees to ride?

Sure you will need some additional provisions for certain situations, but the general concept is the same: pay for service!

Electronic Medical Records Ideas

Idea 1: All medical records should be online...

I am well aware that currently there is a major effort to digitize medical records. Finally! However, I think as always it is not being done in the best possible way.

Here is why....

Most systems that are being put in place are designed for the particular medical facility. So all doctors who are part of that facility will have easy access to a patient's medical records via Internet or special computer program.

What I am suggesting, is that my medical records should be online available for every doctor that I visit. By the same token every doctor must be required to update my medical record once I am done with the visit. All my tests, prescribed medications, doctor's comments, all should be in one place. I don't want to fill out the same form every time I go to a new doctor. I don't want to update my insurance information in 10 different offices, I don't want to wait several days for one doctor to get my records from another. I don't want to get conflicting medication because I forgot to mention to my new doctor the medication that my previous doctor prescribed.

Purpose of my blog is to provide IDEAs not solutions. So I will not get into how this should be done. Although, one technology that comes to mind is Google's Waves.

Issue of main concern is security, but I rather be alive than incognito.