The Mac Observer: Computing With Bifocals - Nancy's Stats On Seniors & Their Macs

I came across the following bits of information a short while ago while searching the net, and I thought you might be interested to know some statistics related to the use of computers by older adults. Some of these statistics came from SeniorNet, which is a national nonprofit organization of computer-using adults, age 50 and older. Other information came from a national survey conducted by Richard P. Adler of SeniorNet. I might note that I tried to get some narrowed-down Mac statistics from the Apple site on the Internet and couldn't find anything. There is a great deal of advertising on the SeniorNet site, but on the other hand, there are some fun things as well. For instance do you instantly recognize the following quotes?

"I'm only a poor corrupt official."

"I stick my neck out for nobody."

"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."

"Round up the usual suspects."

SeniorNet links to a site that includes these quotes, as well as other interesting information about Casablanca. You can also access it directly at the Casablanca quote site. Ask your younger family members if they have seen Casablanca. Don't be surprised if they turn up their noses. I was quite shocked when I realized that my kids didn't see why I enjoyed it so much. They have no frame of reference to appreciate it as many of my generation do. Remind them of that when they are trying to show you how to do something on your computer for which YOU have no frame of reference.

>	Among adults aged 55 to 75, computer ownership is 30% and growing. This has increased from 21% just a few years ago.
>	Generally, seniors average more time on their computers than any other age group. A survey showed approximately 12 hours a week compared to 9 hours for male adults and college students. Adult females averaged 7 hours and kids under 13, 5 hours. I think senior Macintosh users are operating their computers a lot more than that survey identified.
>	Of those senior computer users that are college graduates, 53% of them own a computer
>	Approximately one-third of male seniors, age 65-74, own a computer and among those 75 and older the figure is about 23%.
>	Among seniors the most popular application on the Macintosh is writing/word processing, with 84% of owners saying that they use their computer for this purpose; followed by playing games (60%), managing personal finances (54%), and creating graphics or desktop publishing (34%).

So, are you fairly typical based on this information? I found the stats that demonstrate that word processing is the most popular application on the Macintosh to be very surprising. According to my mail and the questions I get, word processing applications are the most intimidating to older users. Someone explained that to me once as being related to having learned to use a typewriter proficiently. She said that it was very hard to transfer the typewriter knowledge (and expectations) to word processing and all that word processing can do. It sounds realistic to me, based on how long it took me to make that transition.

Speaking of letters and questions from readers -- My next column will include questions from readers. The ones I could answer and the ones I couldn't and the answers that go along with the questions. Meanwhile, it was 104 degrees here in Austin today. A very good time to pull out Casablanca, fix something very cold to drink and relax in front of the TV.

If you have any questions, comments, or tips, let me know and I may include them in a future column.