Published in Pawtucket Times on August 11, 2003

Seniors are turning to their computer-savvy children to help learn the intricacies of using a computer, so says a recently released AARP survey.

Computers can be intimidating to older persons who may not be able to do more than just flip the “on”/off” switch.  According to the AARP survey, a growing number of seniors are calling their younger children and grandchildren for computer help.

The findings reveal that more than half of the survey respondents whose parents have a computer have been contacted for help by them at some point.

Moreover, the survey found having an older relative online has made a positive difference in the lives of 80 percent of those survey respondents who are contacted for help by their parents.

Sthe AARP survey was conducted to learn to what extent adult children provide technical computer support to their aging parents and how computers bind together intergenerational relationships.

Wirthlin Worldwide conducted the online survey for AARP among 534 respondents ages 25 to 44 who reported having a parent or older relative that frequently uses a computer and contacts the younger adults for help.

Countering America’s highly mobile society, computers can play a key role to keep generations together, the telephone survey found. Families are using computers to keep closely in touch with each other. Nearly all the younger respondents and their parents use a computer to contact each other (97 percent), most frequently with email (96 percent). 

“Families who live geography close to each other are nearly as likely to use email as those who live far apart (94 percent verses 99 percent). Those who live far apart cite long-distance phone savings, while those who live close together cite the fact that it makes it easy to dash off a quick email to let their family members know they are thinking of them,” said Christine Donohoo, associate executive director of membership.

“Not only do computers and the Internet help families keep in touch,” added Donohoo, “it can enhance older American’s quality of life.”

AARP’s survey also found that:

• Nearly nine out of 10 (87 percent) respondents aid their parents in finding information on the Internet.
• 43 percent of the respondent’s parents age 50 and older use instant messages to keep in touch with their children.
• 78 percent of respondents have taught older adults computer use; 74 percent how to use email; 64 percent have helped set up a computer;
• Older grandchildren (52 percent of respondents with kids ages 18-24 and 48 percent of the respondents with kids ages 11-17) help their grandparents with the computer of the Internet.  

AARP provides an outline resource for all generations, by creating AARP computers and technology (www.aarp.org/computers), an easy-to-use Web site.

“Helping older adults become more comfortable with computers and the Internet is the main reason we developed this area,” said Mark Carpenter, director of web strategy and operations.

The AARP site features articles that include how-to-guides and reviews and a monthly email newsletter with tips and latest news.

Carpenter said he believes the valuable area of the site is the on-line discussions board, where members share questions and solutions.

In conjunction with the release of these AARP survey findings the nonprofit announced its launch of AARP today of “Generations On-line Sweepstakes,” an initiative that recognizes the important bond between parents and their grown children.

Sthe initiative will also encourage older Americans and their children to use the Internet for fun and sharing. Parents or their children can enter to win two new Dell computers – one for each generation.

For more information or to enter the sweepstakes parents and their children can visit AARP’s computers and technology section, http://www.aarp.org/computers.