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Page 24 · column 5 of 5 · from the scan, no model involved
While there are fewer Internet surfers over age 50 than in other demographic groups, those older Web explorers actually spend more time at their computers than other age groups, as indicated by recent research. According to a well-regarded study by Jupiter Communications, wired seniors spend 8.3 hours a week online, surprisingly ahead of the amount of time spent by Web-savvy college students (7.8), younger adults (7.7) and teens (5.9).
More evidence to consider: A recent Web search found 231,000 pages for “baby boomers” and 1.6 million pages for “teen-agers.”
Put the word “seniors” in the search engine, and what do you get? More than 2 million Web pages to choose from.
Why the growing interest in older Americans on the Web?
Given the relative affluence of aging Baby Boomers — and their parents, who are living longer and are doing more things at older ages than any generation in history — it’s no surprise that Web site operators are turning their attention to seasoned surfers.
By some accounts, Americans 50 and older control half of the nation’s disposable income. These older Web surfers have begun to flex their financial muscles online, too. Seniors represent the fastest-growing age group among online purchasers, soaring from 4 percent in 1999 to 16 percent last year.
And Internet access among seniors is growing, with about 4 million of America’s 35 million people over age 65 now accessing the Web from home. Expand the demographic pool to include those 55 and older,
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