Closing the Digital Divide Among the Elderly
The Houston Chronicle has a report about a project designed to reduce the digital divide among the elderly. The program, sponsored by AT&T, the OASIS institute, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, is designed to teach senior citizens how to use cell phones:
"Marlene Matzner — the Houston director of OASIS, a national nonprofit designed to enhance the quality of life for older adults — said the program is part of the agency's plan to reduce the digital divide among the elderly."
Recent research has shown that text messaging works to get out the youth vote. Advocacy groups would do well to watch the success of OASIS's program, particularly as seniors are already those most likely to participate in U.S. elections.
OASIS plans to bring the cell phone education program to 21 other cities after Houston, and to teach computer and Internet skills to the elderly, as well.
I object to your use of the word "elderly." First it is so imprecise. Who is elderly? 65? 85? 95? I much prefer the term "senior" or simply "older person." Even "senior" should be reserved for those over 65. Boomers certainly don't want to be called seniors or elderly and they aren't just yet. The oldest turns a feisty 62 in 2008. I think we should drop the word "elderly." At least I don't want to be called that until I'm thoroughly incapacitated and really don't care any more.