Seniors in Cyberspace

Seniors in Cyberspace. This may seem like a contradiction to many who are under the assumption that older people are technophobes, unable to program their own VCR's or understand how to use a computer or navigate the Internet. The real truth is senior citizens are proving everyday they are not afraid of new technology. They are as capable as younger people at using a computer and usually have more time to do it.

Seniors are the fastest growing Internet user group. Approximately 15% or 7.5 million senior citizens browse the web and 30% of US citizens age 55 to 75 own a computer. Not long ago, seniors logged on to computers as a means of connecting with family and friends but they soon realized that the World Wide Web was also a very valuable source of information on a variety of topics.

Information on health, travel, finance and other subjects of interest is always available at the touch of their fingertips as well as opportunities for advanced learning and furthering their education. Many seniors use the Internet to find information on pertinent health issues and report that they find articles that explain their conditions in terms that they can understand and often look up questions they have after seeing their physicians.

Many older people are isolated due to lack of transportation, illness, disability or socioeconomic reasons and are unable to go out in the community for socializing, education or to pursue other interests. Using the Internet to 'get out' and meet others and stay in touch with grandchildren and other family members may help reduce loneliness and suicide among seniors.

Recent studies have shown that Internet use by senior citizens may reduce the amount of needed pain medication in conditions such as arthritis. Hours spent online create a more active mind and seniors who are regular Internet users score higher on measures of health and well being than others who are not Web users.

Seniors average about 12 hours a week on the Internet. Connecting with others with similar interests is particularly important to seniors and is a great way to keep the mind active. This activity is likely to produce some positive long term effects.

In 2011 there will be 365 baby boomers turning 65 every hour!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2989766/baby_boomer_fun_and_facts.html?cat=12 Just think of how many seniors will be using the Internet then!

Source: www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp