Senior citizens on the Web could teach Senator McCain a thing or two
| John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, has admitted that when it comes to the Web, he's pretty much a neophyte. Here's what he had to say:
"I'm an illiterate who has to rely on his wife for any assistance he can get." And the 71-year-old presumptive Republican nominee, asked about his Web use last week by the New York Times, said that aides "go on for me. I will have that down fairly soon, getting on myself." - source |
Apparently, whenever the senator needs something from the Web, he has to ask one of his aides to get it for him - just think of everything he's missing out on! According to statistics, 73 percent of Americans use the Web quite frequently, especially for:
- informational searches
- finding a map or driving directions
Senior citizens especially use the Web for email; why, just this morning I got a note from my auntie declaring the arrival of her newest grandchild! The Web is the ultimate convenience tool, and people of all ages are learning how to use it more effectively every day. If you would like to learn more about using the Web in your daily life, here are some resources for you:
- Web Search FAQ: Got some Web search questions you need fast answers to? Read my Web Search FAQ and get your answers easily.
- Web Search 101: The Web is a big place, and finding what you want can be a bit daunting. However, with my Free Web Search 101 Class, I'll show you how to mine the Web more effectively and precisely.
- Web Search for Beginners: Searching the Web can be overwhelming to Web search beginners who don't know where to start, what's the best stuff to look at, or even how to navigate the Web successfully. There are a few very popular activities that most people use the Web for, and pretty soon, you'll be surfing with the best of them.
I (currently) live in what can be best described as a seniors retirement community. I’d say at least half of the folks here are online, probably closer to three-quarters. I get called on a fair bit for help (and only accept payments in the form of home-made cookies), but generally most of them know exactly what they’re doing.
Ross, that’s a great story! What activities do you find most of the folks getting online to do – I’m guessing email is probably tops, right?
I used a computer at work for about 10 years before retiring about 10 years ago. I though I was really computer savvy when I bought my first PC, but it was nothing like the computer at work!!
I found myself having to learn all over again at 55! Now, I’m on line everyday and while I still don’t consider myself computer savvy like in the old days, I know my way around my computer pretty well.
I use it mostly for e-mails, commenting and posting on web sites that interest me and researching medical info. I’m still lovin it!!!
What people don’t seem to understand (or perhaps choose to ignore) is the fact that John McCain’s injuries prevent him from using a keyboard or a mouse properly. This isn’t news, nor is it obscure information. It’s even been covered in the media.