Bardwell+Final+Page,+The+Internet+and+Older+Americans

Older Americans and the Internet 78 million Americans are turning 65 this year, and they are embracing computer technology. Studies done by AARP,and the Center for the Digital Future, shows how older Americans use online communities, blogs, and social networking as much, and in some cases more, than the younger citizens. 42% of those over 50 check the daily news online opposed to 18% of those under 20. Other numbers show older and younger Americans using daily online community participation,and social relationship sites. As of February 2012, 34% of Internet users 65 year old and older use social networking sites, and 18% go online everyday. Email use for adults over 65 continue to be high, with 86% of users 65 years old and older use email, 48% everyday. Online shopping is about equal with all age groups and, only online game playing has higher numbers for those under 20. Belief that the Internet is a reliable source of information for over 50 users 76%, and interestingly, only 9% of those users over 50 think Im-ing is important for maintaining relationships. As of April 2012, 53% of adults 65 years and older use the Internet or email. Still less likely than other groups to use the Internet, it is the first time that half of seniors are going online. According to the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project only 42% of adults 65 and older go online at all.

Internet socializing is hugely poplar with Web sites that help people meet potential dates, find new and old friends for older Americans. Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace privacy issues are less troubling for older Americans, predators are less likely to contact older people, and older users are less likely to fall victim. The older users tend to use the site for a longer period also. Social networking use by Internet users 50 years and older has almost doubled since April 2009, growing by 88%. During the same time, users 65 and older the growth was 100%!, with social networking growth by those 18-29 was only 13%. One in ten Internet users 50 years and older use Twitter or another service to share updates about themselves or see updates about others. Earlier this year, the U.S. Social Security Administration announced they would stop sending paper statements to Americans. All statements will be available online by May 2013. At the same time The Social Security Administration will stop sending paper checks to recipients, instead will direct deposit funds into bank accounts or onto debit cards. Evidence from studies report that online activities of the elderly is that they do the same activities as other age groups, communication and information searches top the list. Email and the ability to keep in contact with children are the primary reasons why seniors start to learn to use computers. Older web users do product research (66%), purchase good (47%), make travel reservation (41%), visit web sites, the government Web site (100%), and even do online banking. Older users search information related to hobbies (68%), travel and holidays (50%), and medical information sites (28%). Older users also use the Web for romantic interests as a way to enhance their lives. 60 has been defined as the new 55 in terms of retirement from full-time work as life expectancy, health, and economic expectations increase. The American Association of Retired Persons' (AARP) 2004 study found that previous studies (undertaken during 2000 - 2004) of the elderly and their use of the ICT and the Web used a variety of definitions, from 50+ years through to 65+ years []. Bailey [] [] reviewed a number of studies and journals and proposed the following classification: Young: 18-39 years Middle-aged: 40-59 years Older: 60-74 years Old-old: 75+ years Because wired seniors are as enthusiastic as younger users in the major usage of the web, they cannot be stereotyped as technophobes, or as non-computer, non-internet users. Americans, who are slightly younger than retirees and who are vastly more attached to the online world, identified in the Pew Internet Project’s 2001 “Wired Seniors” report has gained momentum. As Internet users in their 50s get older and retire, they are unlikely to give up their wired ways and therefore will transform the wired senior stereotype. Older Americans have also embraced gadgets. 69% of adults 65 years and older own a cell phone, 56% of adults 76 and over. Eighty-three percent of those 50+ have heard of the Apple iPad, and among those familiar with the device, 11 percent plan to purchase or want one and 2 percent reported they already have. The numbers are even higher for baby boomers aged 50 to 64, with 86 percent reporting they have heard of the iPad and 14 percent planning or wanting to purchase one. Additionally, by July much of AARP’s online content will be available on handheld devices, such as e-readers, smart phones and mobile phones. Included in the mobile content is the new AARP Digital Newsstand that features online versions of AARP The Magazine, the AARP Bulletin, and AARP VIVA. Additionally, new content relationships will soon offer more information and tools for AARP members and people of all ages, beginning with travel destination guides from Frommer’s Unlimited. As the population continues to age, non-computer users will be amoung the very few Americans.

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