Most baby boomers embrace Internet use

More than 80 percent of baby boomers use the Internet, as do half of Americans over age 60.

Nearly one-third of all online boomers -- 21 million people -- have been using the Internet for more than 10 years, according to a recent study by Focalyst, a market research firm that is a joint venture of AARP Services Inc. and The Kantar Group. More than 7 million people born before 1946 have been online for more than a decade, as well.

"People associate the Internet and computers with youth, but it was the Baby Boom Generation that had the discretionary income 20 years ago to buy the first personal computers and lead the early adoption of the Internet," said David van Nostrand, Focalyst's chief research officer.

The study found that 33 million baby boomers use the Internet daily, along with 10 million people born before 1946. While e-mailing is the primary activity of these users, they’re also going online to make travel arrangements, check the news, find health information, bank, and shop.

About 30 percent of the baby boomers shop online a few times a month -- the same percentage as those born between 1965 and 1988. As younger members of the Baby Boom Generation enter their 50s, their incomes are likely to increase and, with that, their Internet usage and activities, the report predicts.

Regardless of age, online shoppers share similar levels of concern about identity theft, misuse of financial information, and not getting what was ordered, the study found. However, these fears don’t stop the vast majority from shopping online.

Tuesday's post on The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide will cover Internet resources you can use to get information to help you get what you want in life.

Comments

[Tom]

Like the post about boomers and internet use; we didn't start out with the internet but we are sure making it part of who we are.

[Rita]

Hi Tom

Boomers were important to getting the Internet started, and yes, they're big users.

Rita