PC/IT Empowerment Seniors Online 2000

The Council on the Ageing COTA (NSW) has been funded by the RTIF Networking the Nation Program to conduct an innovative community development project on the Central Coast.

Commencing in 1999 the International Year of Older Persons, groups of older people from all walks of life will attend introductory workshops for the seniors on using Internet for information, recreation & understanding the Online economy. These sessions will be co-ordinated through Veteran's Affairs groups, Senior's Clubs, & RSL Branches. Community Sports & Recreational groups. Sessions will be run at clubs , retirement villages & community centres, facilitated ( in part) by associates of the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association

Following the introductory sessions senior will have the opportunity to continue to pursue a range of interests either in further information sessions or by participating in a group project to create a community website.

The project aims to:

• support older people of gaining an effective familiarity with information and telecommunication technologies.
• encourage the development of inter-generational links,
• develop vocational skills of unemployed youth,
• promote the valuing of the wisdom of elders in our community,
• encourage the appropriate community use of emerging technology,

The project will also work together with State & Regional Development, Central Coast Regional Development Corporation, CC Area Health Service, HACC, Gosford & Wyong City Councils & Seniors Information Service to create Regional Senior's Portal or Gateway.

It is also planned to develop strategies to increase public access to computers and internet technology.

The project may be of interest to:

• Older People who want to explore how technology can improve the quality of their lives,
• Older people who would like to share their life story with their family and community,
• Individuals and groups who are interested in helping unemployed youth,
• Individuals and groups who want to preserve the knowledge and experience of our elders,
• Carers or family members who want to preserve their family traditions,
• Individuals and groups who want to counter the many negative images and stereotypes of ageing and older people in the media,
• Community organisations or clubs who seek to record their contribution to our community's social history
• Community organsiations seeking to integrate a presence on the internet as a part of their strategic plan.
• Commercial and philanthropic organisations who would like to support or sponsor the project.

We seek your support and involvement in this project, further information can be obtained from Mr David Braunstein.

Emergent Issues

The project outlined here is a response to preliminary research conducted into these issues at Faculty of Social Inquiry at UWS. I have made an extensive literature search and would be please to discuss these issues and contribute to your & Professor Tay's research.

The implications of the communications revolution for older people can be very positive - the ability to work, communicate with people from around the world and research and purchase goods from home will prove of enormous benefit to seniors of the future.

However how can seniors be assured of the same access to the equipment and training as younger people? Can seniors be confident the design of the technology will take into account any physical constraints of ageing?

In a response to an invitation to comment on the Healthy Ageing Green Paper in 1998 we wrote ...

The "right to choice of older people as full and contributing members of society" is a somewhat abstract right if the nature of the society is not taken into account.

There is substantial evidence that strategies based on proscribing unlawful indirect discrimination have not been greatly effective. Attitudes around 'otherness' are so deeply embedded in personal identity that, while direct discrimination may be reduced, indirect discrimination is reduced only by much more complex cultural change.

These are questions which need to be addressed. Further, it is not just the design of the technology which is at issue. ..Increasingly, the focus of flexible lifelong education opportunities will be on-line, as will recreational facilities.

The Healthy Ageing Green Paper was almost silent on the issue of technology, (as are many such important policy documents ) which means it is planning for a future which already is becoming part of the past.

The NSW Government Internet Strategy http://www.nsw.gov.au/connect.nsw which outlines a vision of electronic service delivery and an online economy is totally silent on the issue of ageing.

Older people are at risk of being excluded from the choice of participating in this vision. Largely because they are out of decision making loop and increasingly are not represented in workplaces where mostly young technically literate people are becoming familiarised with technology as an integral part of their vocational training and career development.

Without strategic intervention, a low level of computer literacy and the social effects of groupings into the information poor and the information rich is likely to compound negative stereotypes of older people held by the young who in turn are further re-inforcing their advantage through the encapsualtion of their values and assumptions in technology itself. The rapid disenfranchisement of hearing impaired people by IVR and telephony queuing and menuing systems is an example.

Seniors on the Net

Many older adults are defying the stereotype that computers are for the young and are actively engaged in using the Internet as both consumers and producers of information (Imel 1997). Approximately 15% (7.6 million) of the estimated 50.6 million U.S. citizens who browse the web are aged 50 and older (Lewis 1998), and 30% of older adults aged 55-75 own a computer (Adler 1996). These figures represent the intersection of two trends: the aging of the population in the United States with an extended period of active adulthood and the growth of the information society with unparalleled opportunities for connecting online (Furlong 1997; Timmerman 1998). This Alert highlights some of the trends and issues related to the increased use of the Internet by older adults, including some implications for adult and continuing educators. Lists of print and online resources are included.

A desire to gain access to cyberspace is one of the primary reasons older adults adopt new information technologies (Furlong 1997). Although many older adults initially log on to the Internet as a means of connecting with friends and family, they quickly learn that it is also a valuable source of information on financial, health, travel and other topics of interest to them. In addition, through discussion groups and "chat rooms," they link with individuals who share similar interests (Flynn 1996; Furlong 1997; Lewis 1998). The Internet also erases the impact of many physical disabilities (Furlong 1997; LeClaire 1997). According to Hugh O Connor, director of the AARP Research Information Center, "the Internet can stimulate independent living among the elderly . . . . help combat isolation, spur lifelong learning, create opportunities for volunteering and make it easier for retirees to earn extra income without leaving home" (Lewis 1998, pp. 1, 14).

Among older adults, both computer ownership and online participation are tied to level of education and to socioeconomic status: 50% of those over age 50 who use the Internet have college degrees and almost one-third have incomes exceeding $70,000. Older women, however, are less likely than their male counterparts to own computers and to go online (Adler 1996; Timmerman 1998).

Older adults have used a variety of methods to learn how to use the computer. Nearly 40% taught themselves, whereas just over 20% learned at work. Women are much more likely than men to have taken a class or learned from a friend. Those who consider themselves to be novice computer users are much more likely to have taken a class than those who consider themselves to be experienced. "Experienced" users tend to be those who have taught themselves or learned at work (Adler 1996). Timmerman (1998) speculates that older adults who were early adopters of computer technology and, as a result, consider themselves experienced, are likely to be self-directed, lifelong learners; thus teaching themselves is a preferred method of learning.

When combined with Internet access, learning to use computer technology can provide older adults opportunities for lifelong learning and continuing growth and development and also help offset social isolation and loneliness (Furlong 1997; Galusha [1997]). Adult and continuing educators who wish to support older adult learners in learning to use computer technology should consider the following. Although a strong demand for computer instruction exists among older adults, facilities and equipment on which to provide training are often lacking (Galusha [1997]; Timmerman 1998). Some providers have overcome this barrier by entering into agreements with hardware and software manufacturers who agree to contribute equipment for training purposes (Timmerman 1998). Course development is another area that must be considered. Timmerman recommends the use of peer instructors who understand how adults learn and teaching methodologies that are nonthreatening and self-paced. Finally, adult and continuing educators need to be aware of issues of access and equity. The statistics on which older adults currently access the Internet closely mirror participation statistics for adult and continuing education. Adult and continuing education programs have tended to attract the most highly educated and affluent groups in the population. Adult educators need to develop training programs that will encourage groups of older adults who are not currently accessing the Internet to become full participants in the information age (ibid.).

Resources

Adler R. P. "Older Adults and Computers: Report of a National Survey." San Francisco, CA: SeniorNet, 1996. <http://www.seniornet.org/intute/survey2.html>

A survey was conducted by SeniorNet to assess attitudes and computer usage patterns among senior computer owners and to explore the level of familiarity with and interest in computers among nonowners. Survey results reveal that more and more older adults are becoming computer users.

Baldi, R. A. "Training Older Adults to Use the Computer: Issues Related to the Workplace, Attitudes, and Training." Educational Gerontology 23, no. 5 (July-August 1997): 453-465.

After reviewing research that refutes negative perspectives about older adults willingness and ability to acquire computer literacy, this article examines issues related to training older adults in the use of computers. Training to facilitate learning of computer skills by older adults should consider factors related to equipment, information, tasks, and individuals.

Callum, M. "Taming Your Computer." New Choices: Living Even Better after 50 36, no. 9 (November 1996): 68-73.

Discusses how older adults can use the new computer technology, including e-mail and CD-ROM, to uncover new worlds of interest and new communities of friends. Ten World Wide Web sites are highlighted.

Dixon, J. M. Predicting Seniors Use of Cyberspace. New York: Garland, 1997.

Reports on a study of adults aged 55 and over who use SeniorNet. The study was designed to examine whether a needs gratification model could explain participants social networking behaviors and to explain the frequency of their participation

Finn, J., ed. "Aging and Information Technology. Special Issue." Generations 21, no. 3 (Fall 1997): 4-70

The focus of this issue is on how computers and the Internet are changing the delivery of services and care not only for older people but also for their families and professionals in the field of aging. Topics include health, spirituality, community building, confidentiality and security, distance learning in gerontology, and Internet resources on aging.

Flynn, M. K. "Plugged in Seniors." U.S. News and World Report, June 10, 1996.

<http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/srnet.htm>

Describes how older people are using the Internet. Includes information on SeniorNet and lists some popular Internet sites for older adults.

Furlong, M. "Creating Online Community for Older Adults." Generations 21, no. 3 (Fall 1997): 33-35.

Discusses the role of learning communities in the changing world of information and highlights some "virtual places" that can provide older adults with services that can enhance their lives. Notes that gaining access to the Internet is one important reason that older adults use computers.

Galusha, J. M. "The Use of Computer Technology by Older Adults." Unpublished paper. Hattiesburg: University of Southern Mississippi, [1997].

This literature review explores the characteristics of older adults who use personal computers. Included is information on ownership, use, reasons for nonownership, challenges, and the author s perspective on training older adults to use the computer.

Lawhon, T.; Ennis, D.; and Lawhon, D. C. "Senior Adults and Computers in the 1990s." Educational Gerontology 22, no. 2 (March 1996): 193-201.

Older adults can use computers to improve their productivity, entertain themselves, and enhance education and daily functions. Computer training helps them increase productivity, learn skills, and boost short-term memory. Electronic mail, online services, and the Internet encourage socialization. Adapted technology helps disabled and ill elders use computers.

LeClaire, R. B. "How a Computer and SeniorNet Changed My Life." Generations 21, no. 3 (Fall 1997): 36-37.

The author describes how her computer and membership in SeniorNet, an organization of older people using computers, changed her life. LeClaire, who is deaf, made many friends in this organization and was comforted by them during difficult times.

Lewis, R. "The Web: A New World Opens Up." AARP Bulletin 39, no. 2 (February 1998): 1, 14.

Discusses the variety of ways of older adults are using the Internet and examines its potential to "transform the experience of aging." A list of websites for federal government agencies, general information, and health and research material is included.

Redding, T. R.; Eisenman, G.; and Rugolo, J. "Training in Technology for Late Adopters: Learning in Retirement, Computers for Seniors." Unpublished paper, March 1998.

This paper presents a curriculum designed to teach computer technology through the Learning in Retirement Institute (LRI), a national program of peer-led continuing education programs for adults of retirement age. The authors suggest ways of removing learning barriers and improving the success rate for teaching technology to late adopters, those who wait to learn about and use computers but who ultimately adjust to the change and who are most likely to participate in LRI programs.

Timmerman, S. "The Role of Information Technology in Older Adult Learning." In Learning: Meeting the Challenges of Older Adulthood. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, no. 77, edited by J. C. Fisher and M. A. Wolf. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1998.

Discusses how older adult learners are using information technology and describes SeniorNet's Learning Centers and Microsoft/AARP Community Technology Seminars. Future trends and issues highlighted include the failure of large numbers of older adults to engage in traditional

distance learning, the production costs associated with the development of online and multimedia courses, and access of older adults with disabilities.

Internet Resources

American Association of Retired Persons <http://www.aarp.org>. Contains background on aging issues, reports on membership benefits, provides information about volunteer opportunities and local activities as well as links to other sites of interest to older adults.

Senior World Online <http://www.seniorworld.com/>. This online publication is organized by geographic region, with each regional area containing stories of regional as well as national interest.

Seniors Computer Information Project <http://www.mbnet.mb.ca/crm/>. A project of Creative Retirement Manitoba, this site features content in four main areas: specific categories (advocacy, health, lifestyle, finance, special needs, etc.), Café (discussion groups, Cyberpals, etc.), Canadian Geography, and selected sites of interest.

SeniorNet <http://www.Seniornet.org/>. Includes Internet round-tables, e-mail pen pals, and information on Internet learning centers for seniors.

Seniors Online Blacksburg, VA <http://www.bev.net/community/seniors/>. In addition to full-text information related to local events, this site has sections on Internet help information sites, senior related sites on the web, and government, Internet, and financial resources for seniors.

Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Links for Older Adults <http://www.library.toledo.oh.us/adultlinks.htm#computers>. Provides links in the following areas: aging, computers, finance, genealogy, health, and travel.