For people in their late twenties or younger, using the Internet is likely a sixth sense. This group grew up with a computer and access to the Internet in their homes and schools – literally growing up in step with changes and advances on the Web.
However, some older adults find using the Internet and computers in general to be a little more challenging. After all, for many of us, schoolwork was completed by hand with an emphasis on penmanship. Looking up words we didn’t know required dictionaries, almanacs, or atlases. And encyclopedias held more information than you could ever need about a subject. Today, however more and more seniors are joining the online movement, turning to the Internet for entertainment, social connections, and as a news source.
For adults with hearing loss, the Internet often serves as one of many hearing loss solutions, keeping them connected to their family and friends, near and far. Internet use is also critical to senior independence – it allows older adults to stay in touch, find information about their health and engage in lifelong learning, among other things.
For example, a 2001 survey from the Pew Center’s Internet and American Life Project found that only 4 million adults age 65 and older – or only 15 percent of this age group – were online, and 48 percent of older adults said they were encouraged by their children, grandchildren or other family members to start using the Internet. The top five reasons for website usage by older adults in 2001 were to use email, look up information to assist them in their hobbies, find and manage financial information, read the news and check the weather.
Today, 53 percent of adults ages 65 and older use email or the Internet, a drastic increase in only a little more than a decade, according to a June 2012 Pew report. And, 70 percent of older adults that are online daily, while one in three has a profile on a social media site.
Tips for gaining Internet and computer skills
Maybe you learned how to use a computer a long time ago and use websites for various things every day, or maybe you are just deciding to use the the Web so you can connect with your friends and family (and even people you’ve lost touch with!) more easily. No matter what skill level you are at or how you use the computer, it’s likely that there are some great classes available for you.
New York City has a list of resources for web-savvy, seniors on its local government page. There are free computer classes at public libraries and through the Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) program.
Also, SeniorNet, a national nonprofit that works to empower older adults through technology and help them share their stories, offers several technology resources for older adults and offers free or low-cost technology courses. Check out this map to see if there is a learning center near you.
