I love my parents. They taught me everything from how to spell my name, to tying my shoes and driving a car. I never thought I’d ever have to teach them anything, because they were the ones with all the answers. The one thing that does puzzle them, however, is the very thing I have become so proficient at — I don’t even have to think when I do it. All that is internet and technology related just goes completely over their heads, and my patience quickly runs out when I’m explaining how to add an email address to their address book for the fifteenth time. Luckily, there’s someone who’s trying to tackle just that issue.  And who would have thought that “America’s Favorite Mom” would be the one with the answer?

Many of us grew up watching her tackle the shenanigans of her six children and warming our hearts as Carol Brady. But these days, Florence Henderson is tackling a bigger issue than Marsha’s broken nose and Jan’s middle child syndrome: technology.

In association with Max Drucker, a technologically-experienced partner with Famous Partners LLC, Henderson has begun a technical support service for older adults: The FloH Club. The telephone-based service is “like roadside assistance, but for all your technology needs,” Henderson said. It’s a great solution for those of us who can’t quite figure out how to explain to mom and dad how to download an attachment, or frankly, don’t have the patience for it.  Mom’s Christmas present?  We think so.

My generation has grown up with computers. Email Facebook, Twitter, Google, blogs are all second nature to us. We navigate it as easily as driving a car, and when we don’t quite get something, it doesn’t take long for us to figure it out because the reality is, technology is taking over and we have no choice but to master it. But for generations before us, like our parents and grandparents, it may as well be hieroglyphics. To them, it “can be intimidating and frustrating,” according to Henderson. “And older adults often hesitate to ask for help, because they don’t want to be a bother.”

Henderson’s own difficulties with things such as social networking and video conferencing are what inspired her to start such a service. “While I have always been a successful performer and businesswoman, I have been frustrated with technology for many years,” she said. Based on her experience and what difficulties she had, Henderson developed the FloH club for other overwhelmed adults. “My goal was to provide an easy, affordable and convenient way to be empowered,” she said.

The system is phone-based in North America. Member can call experts who will talk them through the process they need assistance with. If necessary, experts can access the computer remotely, allowing members to simply watch and learn. No equipment required.

The service is available daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. It offers step-by-step guides on how to video conference, use instant messenger, send email, make online purchases and operate social networking systems like facebook. It also offers troubleshooting support for slow or poor computer system performance, error messages, virus/spyware removal and data backup. Additionally, FloH club members can learn how to set up and use their wireless networks, printers, digital cameras and MP3 players.

The FloH club membership is also affordable, offering different subscription packages to suit the needs of its members. Annual subscriptions run at $250 a year and monthly is $25 a month. Tune up and protection, like anti-virus, is offered for a flat charge of $60 and an educational crash-course in email, online banking and shopping, webcams, uploading photos and downloading music will cost a one-time fee of $50. Each subscription covers one computer and includes a monthly newsletter from Henderson about technology for older adults.

Henderson feels that the FloH club “fills a real void and will be very successful as word continues to get out there about how it can help empower older adults and anyone who needs help with their computers.” She hopes to launch even more products and services after the FloH club takes off. The website, flohclub.com, offers more information on the services as well as a blog of Henderson’s technological experiences and endeavors. It’s a great gift idea for mom, dad or even grandma, that’ll save them the worry of having to ask how to do something and you the time needed to teach them.

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