SENIORS SURGING TO INTERNET
[SOURCE: Tribune Newspapers, AUTHOR: Mary Gail Hare]
Since 2000, the number of Americans older than 65 using the Internet jumped
more than 160 percent, said Susannah Fox, an associate director of the Pew
Internet & American Life Project, which tracks the social impact of Internet
use. Over the same period, no other age segment grew by more than 70 percent.
For many, it's a question of economics, as seniors seek access to the
lower-priced goods, including drugs, that are the hallmark of Internet
commerce. They also want to keep up with information that has shifted to the
Web and stay connected to friends and family who are communicating via
cyberspace. "They hear, 'For a lower price or more information, check our Web
site,'" said Tobey Dichter, founder of Generations on Line, a non-profit group
dedicated to Internet literacy for older adults. "They want access to
resources, everything from government help to getting discounts." Advocates for
older Americans believe the trend is crucial to maintaining a healthy
lifestyle. "We would like to see those numbers go up and for seniors to be more
engaged," said Tiffany Lundquist, spokeswoman for the Maryland office of AARP.
"Computers are an important way to stay connected, and that's important to
successful aging."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri_seniors_0706jul06,0,4864769.story?track=rss
---------------------------------------------------------------
WWWhatsup NYC
http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Discuss mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.isoc-ny.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
