Commentary

Online in the Golden Years

Online in the Golden Years

According to a recent SeniorNet report, 46% of US seniors (people age 50 and older) have been using the internet for over five years. Additionally, 41% have been online for between two and five years, and 76% taught themselves how to use the net.

Amount of Time US Seniors Have Been Online (% of Respondents)

  • <6 mos 1%
  • 6-11 mos 3%
  • 12-23 mos 8%
  • 2-5 yrs 41%
  • > 5 yrs 46%

source: SeniorNet Nov 2002

SeniorNet surveyed 2,084 people in the US age 50 and older between September and November 2002 and determined that 94% of seniors use the net to communicate with friends and family.

Online Activities Among US Seniors (% of respondents)

  • Stay in touch with friends and relatives 94%
  • Stay current with news and events 72%
  • Research health information 70%
  • Make purchases online 52%
  • Research other topics 51%
  • Research products/services to purchase offline 49%
  • Research or check stocks and investments 38%
  • Play games 35%
  • Genealogy research 27%
  • Access discussions 17%
  • Access chat rooms 13%
  • Perform investment transaction 13%
  • Buy or sell on eBay 12%
  • Other 15%

Source: SeniorNet, November 2002

Contrary to the popular belief that older internet users were taught how to use the net by their children or grandchildren, SeniorNet finds that 76% say they taught themselves. Another 37% say they took a class to learn and just 30% say they got help from a relative.

eMarketer's report compares 2001 estimates on the number of seniors online:

US Seniors (65+) Online (% of population)

  • Census Bureau 9/01 12.8%
  • Pew Internet & American Life Project 9/01 15%
  • Scarborough Research 2001 30%
    Source: eMarketer & others

    More recently, Forrester Research estimates that 45% of seniors in North America, age 58 and older, are online.

    Tech Profile of Seniors and Boomers in North America

    Boomers (age 48-57)Seniors (age 58+)
    HH Income $60,843$43,687
    College degree36%24%
    Have computer70%55%
    Have mobile phone56%41%
    Have PDA7%2%
    Are online64%45%
    At-home broadband access17%12%

    Source: Forrester Research, Dec 2002

    You can find out more here.

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