Frequently Asked Questions
Seniors are increasingly more likely to be
connected to the Internet, and those that
aren't connected would probably like to be.
I've found the following data to be very
interesting, which has been collected from
various studies.
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E-mail keeps them connected to family members and others and they
currently feel as though they are being left out.
Of those connected, 69% say it's brought their families closer together,
and they are the fastest growing segment of the market.
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They are able to share more intimate information with e-mail
because of the consistency of their communication instead of a brief phone call.
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The average amount of time they spend online is 18 hours per week.
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92% say the Internet has improved the quality of their lives.
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Jupiter Communications projects that the number of older Americans
online will increase from 14 million to 27.3 million by 2003.
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According to Katie Sloan, Director of Applied Gerontology, AARP,
"The Internet serves as social glue in facilitating better communication
with friends and families and opens new worlds in research and information and
better shopping opportunities".
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93% go online to e-mail and instant message, send online
greatening cards and pictures, correspond with their children, grandchildren and
other family members and friends.
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Older Americans are gaining independence by having access to a
centralized source of information day or night, seven days a week, where they
don't have to worry about business hours or finding transportation.
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53% check their financial investments.
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65% search travel and vacation options.
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69% find medical and health resources.
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In an AARP survey, they found that 54% shop on the Internet with
the most frequently purchased items being computer hardware & software,
books, music, and clothing. Seniors
with incomes under $50k made 10 purchases per year and incomes over $75k made 20
purchases. They were overwhelmingly
satisfied with 82% saying the product "completely" met their
expectations.
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Online games are also popular such as bingo, trivia, and bridge.
Games are a non-threatening way to learn basic computer skills, like
using a mouse.
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Prescriptions can be purchased on the Internet saving as much as
50%.
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According to a recent Microsoft survey, over 23% of new PC buyers
are over the age of 55. That's an increase of over 150% from last year, says
Craig Spiezle, director of the Microsoft Senior Initiative. "In fact,
seniors who are online are using the Internet more hours per week then any other
age group."
As the world continues to become more dependent on
e-mail and the Web, the pressure for senior citizens to stay in touch using this
technology keeps growing. As
one spokesperson for a Senior Citizen Center that offers classes stated "As long as we offer the introduction class, we will
always have enough sign ups," says the senior center manager.
"Our seniors truly want to be a part of the computer age and
computer technology."
