Seniors And Computers

   It seems inconceivable to many of us to go even one day without logging onto a computer. But among many in the senior population, television, telephones and the U.S. Postal Service are all they need.
   According to 2009 surveys by the U.S. Census and the AARP, less than half of Americans age 65 and older use computers, while at least 80% of age groups under 65 do. A previous study on computer use by seniors conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (2005) identified two major reasons seniors are reluctant to delve into the cyber world:

• ECONOMICS-- Many seniors fall into lower income brackets and may not be able or desire to afford the cost of a computer and an Internet provider.
• TRUST-- Almost half of all seniors said they didn’t trust the Internet to provide accurate information about issues important to them and relied more on television, books and newspapers.

   Furthermore, the AARP survey says the vast majority of seniors who don’t know how to use a computer don’t want to learn (78%). When asked why, nearly half say they’re simply not interested.
   But what about the more than 40% of people age 65 and older, who do go online? Like anyone else who has discovered the online portal to the universe, once they walk through, they discover a whole new world.
   So, what type of computer would be appropriate for a senior citizen? The answer is the same for anyone who doesn’t want to become a tech expert -- simple is best and, usually, cheapest.
  The AARP reports most seniors who go online want to find information, send and receive email and buy products. For those users, a desktop or laptop computer costing around $400-- the low end of the name brands-- should be fine. At that price, you get enough power and storage for basic web surfing, emailing and collecting photos.
   In terms of simplicity, many feel that Apple computers (MACs) are not only easier to use than Windows machines (PCs), but are less prone to viruses. It is, however, a PC world-- only 5% of home computers are MACs and some websites still don’t behave well with them. And, the cheapest MAC, the MAC Mini, starts at $600 with no monitor.
   At least two companies, Go Computer and YouCanDoIt Computers, make desktops that claim to be designed specifically for senior citizens with proprietary operating systems that emphasize simplicity, large icons and oversized keyboards. Each has plenty of testimonials from satisfied customers on their websites. However, they list for $800-$1300.
   The other piece of the puzzle is buying access to the Internet. A dial-up connection costs around $10 a month and uses an existing telephone line. However, many people who use dial-up connections get frustrated by their slow speed, especially when viewing photographs, and the fact that it ties up the phone line. It probably pays to go with an always-on DSL connection. It comes right through an existing telephone wire and operates independently of the phone, starting at about $20 a month. The most expensive access, broadband, comes via the cable TV connection and costs $40 to $60 a month.
  No matter what your senior computer user decides to buy, he or she may need help from caring family members and friends to get started. Remember, it’s not about age as much as it is about learning something new, something all of us have apprehension about.
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Sources: U.S. Administration on Aging, “Internet Usage and Online Activities of Older Adults”, October 2009; U.S. Census Bureau; AARP Bulletin Poll, “Internet Use Among Midlife and Older Adults”, December 2009.