"Can you believe that 6 out of every 10 seniors use the internet?"

When you hear the words “senior citizen” and “technology” what do you envision?

Someone with white hair pounding on a keyboard with a puzzled look on his or her face?

Surprisingly, senior citizens are becoming more tech savvy, especially with tablets and smart phones, sometimes more so than middle-aged people!   In fact, six out of every ten seniors use the internet.  

Aaron Smith wrote an article based on a study by Pew Internet and American Life Project.  The study identifies two main groups of seniors divided by education and socio-economic levels.  For instance, 90% of seniors with an annual household income of at least $75,000 go online.  Comparatively, only 39% of seniors who earn less than $30,000 annually go online.  When it comes to education, 87% of seniors with a college degree go online, with only 40% of seniors with a high school diploma or less are active online.

Barriers

The study found that internet use typically diminishes after age 75.  They propose a few barriers that could be the cause. 

1. Physical limitations – poor eyesight, arthritic hands, or a chronic disease.
2. Learning discomfort – 77% of seniors admit to needing someone to walk them through how to use new technology.
3. Skeptical attitudes – many seniors aren’t convinced that they’re missing any information or socializing if they remain offline.  

It’s interesting that seniors aren’t as intimidated by tablets or e-readers, like a Kindle.  An estimated 27% of seniors own a tablet, an e-book reader, or both.  It may because there are very few buttons, making them less likely to make a mistake.  For anyone who has a laptop or a desktop computer, it can be frustrating when you can’t get it to work.  That’s why we offer the friendliest computer repair in Ann Arbor. 

Social Aspects

Many seniors admit to embracing technology to increase their communication with their children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren.  What teenager doesn’t text these days?  More than half of Americans have a smart phone, and only 18% of them are older adults.  This statistic has risen slightly from 11% in 2011. 

Seniors are still more likely to socialize offline than younger people.  81% of seniors who use social networking sites claim they socialize with others in person or via the telephone almost every day.  Interestingly enough, the seniors who use social networking sites are much more likely to socialize off-line compared to the seniors who are not online at all.  Only 63% of off-line seniors claim to socialize with others on a regular basis. 

A Helping Hand

If you have a senior in your life, whether it’s your boss, family member, or friend, try to offer them help if they are trying a new technology.  Encourage them to learn more through lifelong learning classes offered by many community colleges.  These classes are designed to help adults and seniors get up to speed with computers, phones, tablets, and cameras.  We’re also here as a resource if you have questions about your computer or printer.  We have some of the friendliest staff in town to help you with your computer repair in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas. 

Contact us today (734) 213-5400 – we can help you with all of your computer and printer needs!  

“Our customers have been extremely loyal to us through the years and we are extremely loyal to them. All of our employees contribute to this by doing their best with incredibly positive attitudes. Life is so precious. Thankfully, our business is not a life threatening one; however, we treat every customer's needs as if it were. We are grateful to have rewarding jobs and customers who are a pleasure to work with.”

Chris Brooks, President