Here’s a graph (Christine Bonnington, Wired Magazine, Aug.29, 2011) which shows a trend of interest to senior women. We’re not as technophobic as we used to be. In fact, we are using smartphones, tablets, and eReaders in increasing numbers. We are the dark blue band at the top of the graph.
“Early adopters [of smart phones, tablets, and eReaders] tend to be younger and male. As consumer technology products gain wider acceptance, more women and more older consumers join the mix,” says Don Kellogg, director of telecom research & insights at Nielsen.We hear more than a few ElderChicks continue to claim fear and loathing when it comes to computer use. But why are smart phones, tablets, and eReaders so successful with the older crowd?
“Tablets and e-readers are relatively easy to use. Couple that with light weight and the ability to increase the text size (not to be underestimated with older owners), and you have a very appealing product for older demographics,” Kellogg said.
I find eReading easy on the eyes, both indoors and out. It’s great on the beach, on a park bench, and in my living room. And when I’m traveling, it sure beats lugging around a bunch of novels.and travel books. It’s easy to hold and I can make the print any size I want with a flick of the finger. My IPhone also knows where I am on my eReader and vice versa, so it’s always ready in a traffic jam, when I’m early for an appointment, or when I have to wait for someone who isn’t.
I was always one of those who just wanted a phone to allow me to hear and be heard by the person at the other end –which seemed be too much to ask of my old cell phone. But phones finally got really smart –or maybe I just decided to take the leap. Mine takes really good pictures. Okay, not museum quality but certainly as good as my point-and-shoot camera –and I can keep them right on my phone and/or transfer them to my computer. Since it’s always with me, I can record events at the spur of the moment. I also love having several Scrabble games on the go –with my friends as well as with my grandchildren across the country. My IPhone is also a GPS at my fingertips. When I’m walking (or driving) it knows where I am and helps me find whatever I’m looking for without having to ask someone.
I’m pleased to see that seniors are finally accepting some of the new gadgets. Of course, what is happening is not just gadgetry. Acceptance of new technology can be life changing in the way that telephones, television, and airplanes were for our parents and grandparents. But for those that want to take small steps into the 21st century, gadgets are a start.
ElderChicks 
I am 80 years young and I would be missing much of my grand children’s lives if I weren’t on facebook and twitter. I especially enjoy the videos on face book from our two grand children that are teaching in Japan. I took lesson on the Mac and even made my own web site. The children tease me, but they love it.
I am working on a blog so I can keep up with them.
Sunie Levin
http://www.makenewfriendslivelonger.com
Thanks for another nudge toward an I-Phone and e-reader. I’ve had a computer since they cost $4,000 (late 80s), but I’ve been sluggish on the other things. Another advantage to being a bit tech savvy at our age is that I’m now organizing a 50th college reunion, and if all my former classmates were all on email, it would be lots simpler! My 74-year-old sister just got her first computer and her first words were, “This is so much fun. I can look so many things up.” Plus she’s enjoying sending and receiving photos for the first time.
IPads and smart phones may appeal to well-heeled seniors, but for those of us struggling to make our dwindling savings and unaugmented pensions (no COLA’s for how long??) meet our needs as we age and become less able to produce income, they are just too damn expensive. Guess I’ll have to wait til the prices come down. (I kind of like holding books, anyway, and I can write in the margins.) Mary Silverstein
I found that going in on my daughter’s “Family and Friends” plan was less expensive than being on my own plan. I send a check for the amount it costs her into her bank account on a recurring monthly basis so I don’t have to even think about it. The Iphone I bought is an older (but good enough) model and way cheaper than the latest model. Hey! I’m an older model myself and I still work pretty well.
Recently, my husband and I received an I-pad as an anniversary gift. Off we went to the Apple Store where we had reserved places in the class for I-pad “Beginners.” We were the youngest participants, and we’re in our early 70’s! As we strive to embrace the new technology, I am reminded that we are mere tourists in that world, while those younger than we are true natives. But tourists can still learn a lot and have fun!
Interesting that you were among the youngest participants. I like to think we ElderChicks and ElderDudes are finally making our presence known and felt out there in the world. It’s about time we changed the culture of aging from waning to winning.