Generation gap

ICT technology moves at such a pace that older generations may be 'left behind'.

Today, ICT is taught as a core subject in schools, so the technology is very familiar to schoolchildren. Not so for older people, who have less opportunity to use the technology available.

Research shows that nearly a third of parents and grandparents had been encouraged to surf the net by a child aged between 13 and 16.

'Silver surfers'

Those older people who have embraced the internet and made it part of their life are called 'silver surfers' by the media.

For example, some people have a serious illness to cope with, such as cancer. And they have turned to online diaries called 'weblogs' to share their experience with others.

Silver surfers, as a group, have a lot of money to spend and so advertisers are making great efforts to attract them to their products.

Stories:

Surfing the long wave

Managing family life

Here is a quote from a news article on how the internet is changing the way we manage family life

Women in Scotland are increasingly using the internet to help them manage their lives, researchers have found.

Online shopping was said to be one of the most popular uses, with 40% of women questioned admitting to feeling more independent by using the internet.

We can now do many chores online if we wish. For example food shopping is simple with most of the big supermarkets having an online store. Once an order is placed, it will be delivered by van within an agreed time slot.. Other specialist shops can supply organic food and direct-from-farm produce.

Stories

Kids to teach elderly net skills