Elders & the Internet

• Only 1 in 5 people over age 70 have ever used a computer.
  
  
• Over 70, only 15% can access the Internet.
  
  
• In a Seniornet survey, 47% said they have no interest or no need for a computer. Of those, 41% said they are fine without one - no need.
  
  
• Of the 24% who said they don't like the technology, 15 % said it is too complicated, 13% said I'm too old to learn how to use a computer; 5% said I don't like computers, don't trust technology.
  
  
• 15% cited cost. Of those over 70, the most popular factor that would make them interested in purchasing a computer would be knowing all you had to do was plug in the computer and it would work (25%).
  
  
• Over 70, 14% said they used the public library for internet access (this compares with only 1% for those under 70).
  
  
• In another survey ­ May 11, 1999 Dell Bruskin Goldring ­ 78% said they would be more inclined to buy a computer if they knew someone would be there to help them along the way.
  
  
• 54% worry about not being able to set one up.