Silver Surfers: over 65 age group faster growing Internet segment

[mandy]

Seniors have been hooking up to the Internet at a rate that far outpaces the rest of the population in recent years. Since 2000, the number of Americans older than 65 using the Internet rose more than 160 percent, said Susannah Fox, an associate director of the Pew Internet and American Life Project, which tracks the social impact of Internet use. Over the same period, no other age group grew by more than 70 percent...

For many, it's a question of economics, as seniors seek access to the lower-priced goods -- including drugs -- that are the hallmark of Internet commerce. They also want to keep up with the growing amount of information that has shifted to the Web and stay connected to friends and family who are communicating via cyberspace.

"They hear, 'For a lower price or more information, check our Web site,' " said Tobey Dichter, founder of Generations on Line, a nonprofit group dedicated to Internet literacy for older adults. "They want access to resources, everything from government help to getting discounts."...

full article: http://ecommercetimes.com/story/QvesusRN...fers.xhtml