The survey found that email is the most popular use of the Internet for older adults, with 86% of Internet users engaging in email, and 48% doing so on a daily basis.  Another interesting finding  of the survey is that a growing number of older adults are mobile phone owners: now 69%!

While this study has found that Internet use has increased for older adults, home broadband adoption growth still has a long way to go:  the latest statistic in the study reveals that 39% of 65 and older adults subscribe to broadband– a very modest increase over the past several years.  With so many great benefits, an increase in broadband adoption will help get more older adults online.

Project GOAL Safety Brochure (Spanish)

While almost all of the respondents feel comfortable communicating via social networks, they are concerned about their safety and security online.  Older individuals are concerned about online identity theft, harassment, and malicious software.  It’s important for everyone to be informed about the steps to take tostay safe, secure and to protect your privacy when online.  Check out Project GOAL’s brochure that provides detailed information on how consumers can be safe users of the Internet.

A major point from the day of panels is that the boomer and older adult community is a great market for technology.  I was surprised to learn that only 34% of boomers own smartphones — but I expect this number to increase dramatically in short order.  Seniors will also start to adopt more mobile broadband devices, particularly the tablets.

A highlight of the Summit was a conversation with Martin Cooper, inventor/developer of the first cellular telephone.  He brought one of those first phones (from the 1970‘s)with him — a rather large brick-shaped phone.  It’s just remarkable to consider how far the technology has come since those early days.

There are tech products specifically developed for older adults on the market that can: 1) help simplify going online and surfing the net, 2) connect individuals with health services and providers, 3) offer home safety and monitoring, 4) help keep the body and mind engaged and strong, and other services.  The tech market also offers products and services for the general consumer community that have great applications for older adults as well.

The Silver Summit at CES has once again demonstrated that the 50 plus and 65 plus community is a vibrant part of the tech market — and that there are products and services that can enhance and improve their lives today — and tomorrow.

While there are some products that are specifically gear toward older individuals, what I find more interesting are the services and devices that everyone can use that can offer a special application for seniors.  This year at CES, the tablet was a huge product.  The tablet is a device developed for the general consumer, but older adults have found it to be a great mobile broadband device.  The device does not require significant technology training, and it enables individuals to easily check e-mail, video chat with loved ones, surf the Internet for information, exchange photos, explore entertainment options, participate in social networking, etc.  These are some of the more popular online activities for older individuals.

I’ve seen new and improved devices for smart homes, smart cars, and smart phones.   Many of these devices are now integrated, allowing the power of each device to build on the next.  The “smart” technologies, with ongoing updating, are allowing us to age in place, to stay healthy, keep connected to our communities and loved ones, and get connected to our health providers.  There are amazing new — and existing — technologies that can empower the older community and the broadband connection is making much of this a reality for our devices at home and for our mobile devices and services.

Mary Madden focused on smartphone ownership and social media use among the older adult community.  The older adult community is the fastest growing segment of the population to adopt social media.  Regardless of the high adoption and usage rates, there are still significant barriers to social networking use.  Privacy management, security and the perception that social media is primarily for younger adults are blockades that keep individuals from adopting.

Walter Woods from AARP looked at the chronic social isolation that many aging adults face.  Isolation is the main issue when it comes to broadband adoption.  The objective of the AARP Foundation and its Technology division is to create and promote community in order to prevent an ecosystem breakdown or to alleviate the impact of an already damaged environment.

George S. Ford from the Phoenix Center reviewed his study on the correlation between internet use and mental health in older adults.  The evidence is mixed.  Based on a cross section of data from 2006, the study found a 20% reduction in depression categorization from Internet use.  This study poses a lot more questions and opens the door for much more research.

Thomas Kamber focused on two studies conducted by OATS. The first study examined the way Electronic Health Records encouraged interaction from seniors.  OATS hypothesized that access to HER’s would get seniors more active in managing their healthcare activities.  Participants very much liked remote training from OATS and providers were very enthusiastic about the project itself (Patients Accessing Technology at Home (PATH)).  The second study was on the social impact of OATS.  The organization provides computer/Internet training for elderly adults.  The data shows there adoption of the Internet increases community interaction and the viability of technology focused senior centers.

Project GOAL Distributes New Privacy Recommendations to National Association of Area Agencies on Aging Conference

WASHINGTON – Project GOAL (Getting Older Adults Online) today distributed new privacy guidelines to the annual conference hosted by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.  The brochure was distributed to all 700 regional and state agency leaders to provide information about how seniors can protect themselves online.

Privacy issues are a growing concern among older adults, particularly since seniors are one of the fastest growing sectors of the American population who are adopting broadband services.

The brochure includes tips on creating a secure password, preventing scammers from accessing sensitive information and developing a support network of healthcare professionals, as well as family and friends.

For more information, visit www.theProjectGOAL.org.

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Pensioners who frequent social networking sites, and other online destinations, such as Skype – have more flexible brains than those who don’t, a study claims.

The Internet was also found to reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression and helps pensioners to develop their social support networks.