More aged Americans surfing online

The Pew Internet and American Life Project showed that the group which had the largest increase in adoption of Internet usage in 2005 – 2008 was of those 70 and older. Internet penetration of people aged 70 - 74 increased by 19 percent during the period, of 75 and older the increase made 10 percent. On the other hand, the amount of users of ages 25 - 29 has remained steady at 85%. 

The study conducted by Nielsen Online also showed a similar trend: people aged 55 and up made nearly one-third of Web audiences at the end of 2008 and they spent more time online than younger users.

The main activities of older Americans online, naturally, differ from younger users. While the latter use the Internet to play games, watch movies, use social networking sites or read blogs, the former benefit from it to get health information, visit government Websites and look for religious information. At the same time, the two groups of users mentioned send e-mails, search online and make travel reservations equally often. 

Although, currently the majority of Internet users are people under the age of 45, the increasing number of elders online could mean new opportunities for merchants.