Getting up to Speed on the Information Highway
By Maryan Pelland
Do we older adults lack skills to easily acquire computer literacy? While people over fifty don't learn anything as quickly as, say, school-age children do, is techno-fear holding some of us back from screeching down the information highway?
Plenty of facts support the idea that seniors learn to be comfortable in cyberspace. If you're reading this, you're living proof, of course.
According to SPRY many babyboomers are computer wizards - and adults older than boomers are going online, too, drawn by convenient, inexpensive communication with family and friends, accessible health information and new venues to explore.
Studies report seniors as the fastest growing group of computer users. Of seniors who use the Internet, 58% of the over 50 group surf one to four hours a day, compared to 42% of younger users. Another 30% are online over five hours a day. Older men are more likely to surf than women - though women's usage is growing. One third of older users have replaced TV viewing with computer activities.
Lots of us mature users are self-taught. Does that mean there really is no roadblock? What about friends of yours who can't cozy-up to XP or who would love to send e-mail but don't feel up to it?
Professor of Psychology and Director of U Chicago Loyola Center for Aging David Mitchell says, "We learn more slowly as we age - that's normal. But in this age group, there are those light years ahead in computer knowledge, those who don't feel comfortable turning the machine on, and everything in between."
John Oussoren, Director of Canada's Chalmers Institute, agrees. "Fear and resistance to learning a new culture is part of it for a number of older adults. But my experience is that patience, encouragement, and affirmation help."
Good news! Other research bears that out. Physical changes as we age can, and do, affect vision, cognitive learning, hand/eye coordination, joint flexibility, and response time. But the computer environment is an excellent medium to overcome or adapt to these changes, users just need to find the right stuff.
Is it difficult to get the right equipment, and find senior-friendly training? Surveys and interview responses indicate that for most, standard hardware is fine.
For some people, a larger monitor with good lighting, a special keyboard design, the right desk, and properly designed seating can overcome physical challenges.
As for software, experts say a word-processing program is a good start. Games like crossword puzzles, card games, or board games can help users learn a lot. Once they get the hang of it, there are financial programs and of course, e-mail.
It's not tough to learn, but you know that. Tell a reluctant friend it's all self-paced - go at it for awhile, save your project, and return later. Software offers accessible accommodations for people with physical limitations. It's easy to find an affordable class; a teacher experienced with older users.
Help your friend find resources. Ask questions - do they offer step-by-step learning, self-pacing, frequent breaks, good lighting, larger print, small class size, and time for tasks and repetition? Find a class with peer helpers, encouraging friendly, open discussion.
Senior Net of San Francisco studies clearly show a tidal wave of over-50 users surfing the 'net. Within that group, people over 65 are jumping in with both feet.
Tell anyone you know who's nervous about technology that a study from Portland State University squelches rumors that older Americans can't keep pace. The study concludes, "Seniors with discretionary income to purchase home PCs are achieving literacy at the same rate as younger adults."
Bottom line - we're never too old.
