Not all seniors are as willing to jump over the
digital divide. A recent National Public Radio story identified
the Gray Gap as the great division between young computer
users and the more reluctant seniors on the other side. While
80% of all Americans under 30 are online, only 20% of people
over 65 use the internet. And the differences are startling
when you look at computer use among senior men and senior
women. Only 14% of women over 65 are online, compared to 20%
of men in the same age group.
Behind the statistics lies the fact that many seniors didn't
have exposure to the technology in their jobs. Terms like
server, download, HTML and home page are not in their vocabulary,
and many are reluctant to cross the digital divide because
they don't feel the need to. Others are intimidated by the
often confusing and fast moving technology.
The good news is that recent studies show computer use
among seniors has spiked in the last four years and will
continue to grow as these users discover how the internet
can improve their lives. As computers become cheaper
and more user friendly sales have risen sharply for seniors
at home, in retirement and assisted living communities,
and in senior organizations. Elders at home are quickly
embracing computer technology for email, sending digital
photos, shopping online for books, gadgets and travel deals,
and for sharing information about medical care, hobbies,
investments and other special interests. Internet chat rooms
allow people with common interests to have online conversations
about everything from A to Z, and online game rooms allow
participants to play chess, scrabble and bridge. With a
computer it's often easier to get a game of scrabble going
with someone in California that rounding up folks in your
neighborhood.
Once the resistance to using a computer is overcome, seniors
often agree that using the technology gives them a sense
of connectedness, stimulates cognitive and mental functions,
and improves psychological well being and self confidence.
Although 40% of senior users are self-taught, many pick
up their skills in classes, through family and friends,
or at the tail end of their careers. If you want to find
out what it feels like to use a computer before investing
in one yourself, there are senior centers, libraries, and
colleges offer beginner computer classes, many of which
are free or at a low cost. Check the local papers for announcements
of upcoming classes. If you don't own your own computer,
most public libraries provide free access to the Internet---all
you have to do is sign up at the desk.
When you decide to "get wired" check out pricing
options. For those who don't want to buy a complete
computer system and do Internet searching, there are simpler
systems available that provide you with email access only
(MyMailstation.com is one such company). If you live on
a fixed income you can benefit from monthly payment plans
offered by certain computer manufacturers. Some offer free
delivery and in-home setup.
Sign up for a beginner class. Learn how to enlarge
type fonts on your screen. Look for a computer savvy teenager
in your family to help you learn the basics. After a short
time you too will be talking about web browsers, uploading,
passwords and gigabytes with your computer literate friends.
RESOURCES
- Senior Help-Line (1-800-642-5119) can assist you in
locating computer classes for seniors.
- RSVP of Windsor County (885-2083) may direct you to
computer classes or link you with volunteer tutors
USEFUL WEBSITES TO VISIT ONCE YOU GET STARTED
www.coasevt.org (Council
on Aging for Southeastern Vermont website)
www.aarp.com (comprehensive
site for people over 50)
www.seniornet.org
(a resource for computer information and much more)
www.vtseniorcenters.org
(site tailored to "cyber seniors" that publishes
a newsletter available by emailing srcenter@together.net)
www.genealogy.com
(research your family roots online)
www.sidestep.com (find
travel deals for seniors)
www.classmates.com
(locate former classmates)
www.benefitscheckup.org
(check on health matters and benefits)
