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JJOD
Staff Writer
Reg'd: Mon
Posts: 41
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Are you one of the 50+ generation of internet surfers-
If so I would be interested in hearing your thoughts about the internet and what you use it for (emailing, shopping, research, news etc.) and what sites you regularly check?
If you didn't have computer knowledge prior to getting on the net how did you feel surfing the net? Finally what difference does being able to use the net mean for you and do you mind the 'silver surfer' tag?
Edited by JJOD (Tue May 20 2008 01:01 PM)
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George
regular
Reg'd: Tue
Posts: 3807
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I was more well past 60 than 50+ before using a computer. The need for this was keeping in touch more regularily with relatives in Canada and Australia, plus keeping more upto date with a favourite sport, Major League Baseball.
The very first time opening up this Wide World Web was somewhat daunting so I signed up for a 10 week course on "Exploring The Internet", which gave me more confidence.
Now the Internet means much more than relatives and baseball, even at my age curiosity about other subjects is still strong and the learning curve is endless.
As for the 'Silver Surfer' tag, No way! What other age groups are pigeon holed like this? None that I'm aware of.
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greysts
regular
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 17733
Loc: Colchester
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Quote:
Are you one of the 50+ generation of internet surfers-
Yes I am but I started using computers back in the 1980's when I was still at work. Now I've retired I spend one day a week at my local branch of Age Concern running computer courses for 'silver surfers'. I've probably seen around 100 people in the age group 60 to 85 in the year that I've been running the programme ranging in ability from "I haven't actually got a computer yet." to "Can you help me with Vista and Office 2007."
Probably the most common comment is something like "My son/daughter has just brought me a laptop. He/she came round and installed it and told me it was easy. That was the last I saw of them."
Most people want to learn about email so they can keep in touch with friends and relatives. They want to learn how to get onto the internet because they keep seeing bargains advertised that require them to look at a web site. Many of my generation are aware of our limited lifespan and want to do some genealogical research.
Their biggest concern is the stuff they've seen on the news about identity theft and credit card loss once they get on the net.
Although it's not part of your question, I would ask anyone who's got a bit of knowledge about computing and wants to put something back into their community, contact your local branch of Age Concern and offer your services. There is a crying need for volunteers now that local councils and libraries have stopped their free tuition.
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Do you know that we're all in line for succession to the throne? Really?
Well, if forty-eight million, two hundred thousand, seven hundred and one people died I'd be Queen.
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paula1k
regular
Reg'd: Sat
Posts: 950
Loc: Leeds, W Yorks
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I got my first computer aged 51. This prompted me to take a college course on the basics, then i went on to do CLAIT plus, and now advanced word processing. It has got me into photography when I joined Panoramio and got some of my photo's on Google Earth, now I have my first DSLR camera. My whole life changed just by getting a computer and getting online!! And I am proud to be called a 'silver surfer' (although i'm not actually silver)  
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Edited by paula1k (Thu May 22 2008 01:19 AM)
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JJOD
Staff Writer
Reg'd: Mon
Posts: 41
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Hi, thanks to those who replied in the threads - last week I went along to a Digital Inclusion class run by Age Concern, similar to the one greysts wrote of.
The class was made up of complete beginners and it was great to see how each one had taken to the net. While most intimated that it was a bit daunting getting online first and navigating their way round - they all found it a thoroughly enjoyable experience - especially as many of them were able to get news from home on the net whether it was a foreign country or a nearby town.
Also the volunteers do a wonderful job of helping and in giving up their free time. I would like to hear more from other 'silver surfers' about your internet experiences (favourite sites, learning way round the web etc.)- whether you're silver or not.
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Silver_Clive
new user
Reg'd: Wed
Posts: 4
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Whilst I had some computer savy prior to becoming a silver surfer, I had no experience of internet use. I completed the ECDL course which gave me the confidence to use the internet. (Prior to that I was 'scared' about the dangers of using the www i.e. computer infection, stolen identity etc.)
Now I shop, bank, send regular emails (remote secretary for a tenpin bowling league all done through emails).
I only work part time now but as my boss is blind I support her with her computer needs when she is at work.
As has been said above, the wealth of information on the www is amazing and we are never too old to learn.
I have started a Foundation Degree course and the internet is a necessary tool both for research (university library), keeping in touch with tutors and submitting assignments etc.
Best thing I ever invested in.
Silver_Clive
Edited by Silver_Clive (Thu May 22 2008 10:53 PM)
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