Australians in the 55-plus age bracket are the smallest but a rapidly growing group surfing the Net and for many it's just a lack of confidence and training that's holding them back, according to a new survey.
The Ageing and Disability Department (ADD) and AMR Interactive has just completed a survey into computer and Internet use called the Seniors Internet Survey 2000.
The survey of 1200 seniors across New South Wales found that 15 percent of non-PC owners were interested in buying a PC but were concerned that they didn't have sufficient skills, whilst 23 percent said they didn't have the confidence to make the online move.
Seniors however, appeared to have a very positive outlook on training - with 76 percent saying they would look to do more of it in the future.
"Older people represent a large untapped market in terms of their access to computers and the Internet," the ADD said.
The survey also found that in the 18 months from November 1998 to May 2000, PC ownership increased 91 percent in the 55-plus age group between 1998 and 2000 - from 11 percent to 21 percent.
Internet access up
In the same period, the proportion of people over 55 accessing the Internet more than doubled from 7 percent to 16 percent.
"Although they make up 17 percent of the population, older people represent about 6 percent of all Internet users," the ADD said.
The main drivers of demand for seniors were found to be new services such as email, cost savings for services such as banking, and the convenience of having things like shopping delivered to the door.
Of those seniors using the Net, 49 percent sought information on travel, 35 percent on government services and 22 percent used the Internet for buying and selling shares.
"With information technology now an integral part of communicating and doing business with others in the community, the Government is concerned to ensure that older people derive maximum benefit from the information revolution," the Department said.
Since 1996, people have been turning 50 at the rate of 700 a day in Australia - a trend that will continue until 2011, according to the ADD. In 2011, the 'baby boomers' start turning 65.
Furthermore, by 2021 older people will represent over 24 percent of the population and by 2041 they will represent 30 percent of the population.
The Seniors Internet Survey will play an integral role in helping key seniors organisations, the IT industry and other government, community and business partners to consider ways to encourage and facilitate older people's use of IT.
Make that 6% plus one. My Gold Coast resident 70+ dad just joined the wired world with my aging 6100/60 AV PowerMac. I'll judge his level of interest from how long it takes him to replace it.
I figure if he buys a new machine witin 6 months he's well and truely hooked. About time these talkbacks got the benefit of senior citizen input!!