FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 14, 2006

Seniors and the Internet

Any system being designed for consumers should take advantage of two trends: the centrality of search and the importance of peer advice (whether via email, social networking sites, blogs, or other emerging technologies). Both trends are likely to ...

BY Susannah Fox

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RECOMMENDED CITATION

Pew Research Center, November 2006, "Seniors and the Internet"

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Table of contents

Seniors and the Internet

Any system being designed for consumers should take advantage of two trends: the centrality of search and the importance of peer advice (whether via email, social networking sites, blogs, or other emerging technologies). Both trends are likely to ...

Age is a strong predictor for whether someone has internet access. Just 32% of Americans age 65+ are online. However, as Baby Boomers age into the 65+ demographic, they will most likely keep their internet connections and bring their propensity for search and online communications with them. Any system being designed for consumers should take advantage of two trends: the centrality of search and the importance of peer advice (whether via email, social networking sites, blogs, or other emerging technologies). Both trends are likely to grow in influence as the population ages.