Internet Playing A Bigger Role In The Lives Of Seniors
- by September 11, 2000
With Grandparents Day coming this Sunday, a recent America Online/DMS poll shows that the Internet is playing a bigger role in the lives of older Americans and is fostering stronger ties between them and their families.
According to the survey, more than 90% of Americans age 55 and over say the Internet has improved their lives overall, with nearly 70% saying the Internet has brought their families closer together. When it comes to grandchildren, almost half (45%) of kids polled in AOL's Kids Only Channel say they are talking to their grandparents more online and increasingly kids are helping their grandparents get connected in the first place.
"This research shows us that the Internet is playing a more integral role in the everyday lives of older Americans, helping to bring grandparents and their grandchildren closer together by expanding their communication to more than just special occasions," said Marshall Cohen, Senior Vice President, AOL Brand Development. "What many people may not realize is that older Americans are the fastest growing segment of Web users and are increasingly doing more online."
Digital Marketing Services, Inc., a leading provider of online marketing research and a wholly-owned subsidiary of America Online, Inc., reports that computers are giving older Americans high-tech ways of doing a variety of favorite activities, including: -- Communicating: 95% of older Americans say they go online to email and instant message with their family and friends.
-- Researching Information: Older Americans are gaining independence by having access to a centralized source of information day or night. They frequently go online to search for information about their financial investments, travel and vacation options, and medical and health resources.
-- Shopping: The products most frequently purchased online by older adults include computer software and hardware, books, music and clothing.
-- Playing Games: Online games such as bingo, trivia and bridge offer some older Americans, especially those living alone, fun and exciting ways to use their computers and learn new computing skills while they're at it.
The report follows a July announcement from Greenfield Online, whose researchers found that Americans 55 and older with Web access use the Internet to its full capabilities, 93% shopping online, 95% using email and 90% participating in online sweepstakes or contests. The Greenfield Online study, "Surfing Seniors," which surveyed almost 3,000 seniors, found that the majority is not just dabbling on the Internet. Nearly a third spend 2 to 3 hours each day online, have owned their computers for 4 years or longer, 90% own a color printer and 61% own a scanner.
