Seniors citizens are the fastest growing group of Internet and computer
users in the U.S. The elderly, a population steadily increasing in size,
are eager to embrace computer technology as much as their counterparts,
however, their numbers indicate there are clear barriers to their access
and approach.
The Pew
Internet and American Life project conducted an in-depth survey on
the elderly’s use of the Internet. The findings were conclusive
in demonstrating the emerging trends within the senior community as well
as the clear need to address this movement.
- Only 22% of Americans age 65 or older are on the Internet. By contrast,
58% of Americans age 50-64, and 75% of 30-49 year-olds are actively
online.
- Among the 21.8 million households where the resident was 65 or older,
only 24.3% of households had a computer. The general population’s
computer ownership is double that of seniors at over 50%, clearly suggesting
a digital divide among the elderly and the rest of the population.
There is currently a wide gap between generations on line, but that divide
is slowly narrowing with seniors realizing the benefits of Internet technology
to aid in their daily lives. In 1996, just 2% of Americans age 65 or older
went online compared to 15% in 2000 and 22% in 2004.
There is a demand among seniors, however the research shows that the
major components that contribute to this digital divide are accessibility,
cost and proper training, coupled with an overall “techophobia”
existent across a population that, in their lifetime has had relatively
little exposure to computer technology.
Seniors, Healthcare and the Internet
Research conducted on senior citizens and their healthcare has shown that
older Americans take a relatively passive role in their own health maintenance,
remaining relatively uninformed about their conditions, prescribed medicine,
and treatments. Studies demonstrate, however, that the more that older
patients learn about their illnesses, the more likely they are to ask
questions, express opinions and live measurably healthier lives than those
who do not communicate or remain uninformed.
In a study published in The
Internet Journal of Health concerning seniors’ uses for the
Internet, it was found that when seniors had access to the proper tools,
training and information, they became better informed on such topics as
colitis, thyroid conditions, clinical trials, mental illness, drug information,
hearing aids, vitamins, cancer and heart conditions. This knowledge allows
seniors to become more empowered, independent, and to possess an overall
healthier lifestyle.
In addition to addressing physical healthcare issues, the Internet provides
a solution for mental and social health issues:
The benefits for a computer literate senior population are manifold:
Healthcare – The Internet provides a wealth
of health resources and products available for the elderly. Empowering
seniors to conduct their own research, learn about their conditions
and shop for their own medicine is invaluable. Access to the information
and the tools to address their health will allow seniors to become more
active in their personal health care and foster a better and longer
qualify of life.
Isolation and Loneliness – Email is seniors’
number one use for the Internet. They use email for family connectivity,
communication with friends far and near, sending digital photos, reading
daily news, managing stocks and money and more. Increasingly, they are
enjoying senior-related user groups, theme-based forums, virtual games,
and online chat rooms. These resources allow an expansion of their social
network, thus allowing seniors to feel more involved and engaged in
the world.
Independence – The Internet allows for virtually
any product and service to be delivered to one’s doorstep within
days. Medicine, groceries, gifts, books, plane tickets to name only
a few allow a senior to become more self-sufficient in their day-to-day
life. This sense of independence fosters feelings of self-worth that
may otherwise be compromised due to disabilities or disadvantages.
Cognitive Development – Continued use of the
brain later in life has been shown to slow or prevent senility and dementia.
The use of the Internet and all its tools involve the creative use of
the mind. Seniors are using their time on the Internet for continued
learning, research, writing letters, searching genealogy, reading the
news, and online classes. These tools keep the senior mind active and
nimble.
Depression and Psychological Well-being – Depression
results from feeling alone, ineffectual, and helpless. The above uses
for the Internet result in a self-assured individual. Today’s
online applications, products, and resources allow one to be connected
to the world, needed by people, independent and self-directed. Depression
is widespread among the senior population. The feelings of isolation,
helplessness, and inability contribute to this mental disorder. The
tools available on the Internet and computer allow for a more self-sufficient,
social, and happier life for our seniors in their sunset years.
There is undoubtedly a widespread and urgent need for a service that
offers accessible and affordable computer education for senior citizens.
Access to technology and all its benefits should be a right, and not a
privilege. Technology in today’s world is a necessary component
for survival and prosperity for all populations, with the elderly certainly
no exception. Access and affordability of computer technology and computer
instruction are the keys to a healthier and happier senior population.
With the senior population growing steadily, with no expected decline
in numbers, Senior Surf’s services come not a moment too soon, providing
the tools for this prosperity to all those they reach.
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