I’m so glad David Lee King posted a little summary of the Cranky? Boomers & Older Adults are Greying the Internet! session at the Internet Librarian conference. It reminded me of something I’ve been meaning to mention for a while now.
See, all of my grandparents are still living and they all live in some variety of senior-focused facility. Last time I visited one set of grandparents, they had just moved into their new apartment in a seniors-only community. It was well-designed: no stairs, very low lips on the showers, all the doors were wide enough for wheelchairs. The whole place is even built in a large square around an open middle, so folks can walk laps through the main hallway when the weather’s bad.
The one thing it didn’t have was internet access.
Given the fact that my grandparents range in age from 82 to 90 and none of them were ever much interested in computers, internet access isn’t something they miss. On the other hand, my parents and their siblings (who range in age from about 52-65) are all wired to some extent, and nearly all use email outside of work. At least one is on Facebook.
So what happens when they’re the ones moving into the senior apartments, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes? How long will it take for these places to provide wireless internet for their residents? Boomers, we’re told, are already changing retirement. I, for one, am glad they’ll probably be changing how elders access information as well.
October 31, 2007 at 11:38 am
My mother is 79 and fortunately still able to maintain her own home. But she would be lost without access to the web and email.
October 31, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Good for her! (Both for still being in her own home and for using the internet.)
November 1, 2007 at 6:02 am
My mother is 77 and totally addicted to the internet. She loves Zillow, Google maps, and even reads some blogs. My dad is not interested in learning how to use a computer though – he sticks to print media.
I am very excited about how libraries can help older adults to learn about computers and the internet. My library has many classes including ones about Google, internet basics, email, and how to avoid malicious software.
I agree with you that Boomers will be changing retirement. They are much more comfortable with technology than the Greatest Generation is. Some retirement communities are already embracing the internet – for example Erickson Communities have even had a national Wii bowling tournament!
November 1, 2007 at 8:06 am
You just spoiled my day. I’m 70, live alone in an apartment, and spend most of my time on the net. I blog, am building a web site, do web research on a number of topics, and I’m a member of various discussion forums. One of my nightmares is eventually winding up in an old folks home. Now I can add lack of internet access to the nightmare.
November 1, 2007 at 8:18 am
That Wii tournament sounds like a blast. One of my grandmas would love the idea–I’ll have to tell her next time I see her.
Unfortunately, of my six grandparents (yes, really), she’s the only one who still has the combination of physical dexterity and eyesight to be able to do that sort of thing.
November 1, 2007 at 8:44 am
Catana, my sample is admittedly limited. Perhaps the thing to do is search out a place that already has internet access in the rooms?