Silvers Are Surfing to Bridge the Generations

 
Younger IT users are the “taste
makers” responsible for swelling
the ranks of silver surfers;
© Pixelio.de

More and more older people use modern communication methods like internet, email and mobile phones.

Ofcom, the regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, recently revealed that over-65s now spend more time on the web than those aged between 18 and 24.

The desire to keep in touch with the grandchildren is the catalyst spurring many older people on to learn skills for new technology. Therefore thousands joined last week’s Age Concern Silver Surfer week.

According to new Age Concern research , more than half of grandparents claim that new technology enables them to keep in better touch with their grandchildren than they were with their own grandparents.

Two out of every three grandparents “talk” to their grandchildren by email, text or mobiles. And three out of every five grandparents, whose grandchildren live overseas, are in online contact with them. Age Concern groups across the country have also reported a surge in interest in digital photography and Photoshop amongst grandparents who are keen to make the most of family snaps.

During Silver Surfer Week, absolute beginners, computer sceptics and stalwart PC enthusiasts were offered to attend free byte-sized computer sessions at their participating Age Concerns and other training venues across the country. Age Concern’s computer trainers specialise in working with over 65s and let learners take things at their own pace.

Gordon Lishman, Age Concern’s Director General said: “Most grandparents no longer live in the same town or city as their grandchildren. The desire to bond with their grandchildren is one of the key reasons why the over 65s are giving IT a try. Older people who want to join the fun should put their nerves to one side and join a Silver Surfer Week event.”

REHACARE.de; Source: Age Concern

- For more information on Age Concern visit: www.ageconcern.org.uk

( Source: REHACARE.de )