Too often, technology is considered to be "for the kids", but on the Internet, the fastest growing population are persons 55 years and older. Older citizens have found many reasons to embrace the Net and communities can easily create projects to serve the needs of pensioners.

This project description was written by Terry Grunwald for the Scottish Communities Channel in 2001, but is now longer available there. We plan to update here shortly.

What do Technology Projects for Older People do?

• Allow them to communicate with grandchildren, other family members, friends, and other older people in different locations around the world - at little or no cost

• Provide lifelong learning opportunities in a wide variety of areas from gardening to pets and investments

• Engage the Elderly in genealogy and local history projects

• Offer opportunities to supplement their income through online auctions and other online income producing activities

• Allow them an opportunity to develop new skills which they apply as volunteers in their own communities

• Engage older people in inter-generational projects where they work together with young people

Resources

Age Concern (UK) provides practical information on a range of topics for older people and their families.

Baby Boomer Bistro, an online chat café for older people in the UK.

SeniorNet (US) provides adults 50+ access to and education about computer technology and the Internet to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom. Agelite provides TechBytes - tech resources customised for the Elderly.

Models

Strathclyde Elderly Forum was the first Scottish older people's group to launch its own web site in May 1998. It is building links with older people's action groups worldwide - sharing experiences and building networks.

Key Lesson Learned: "Stereotypes often suggest that the Internet is the preserve of the young, despite the large number of older people using it in imaginative ways, and the enormous benefits it can offer to older people."