Cyber Seniors are Blogging Up a Storm

by Ami Icanberry

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Let’s face it, readers—the Web isn’t just for kids and to think so would be, well, antiquated. My own mother has realized there’s nothing quite as satisfying as coming home to a full inbox. Within the past five years, the number of web surfing seniors has jumped to more than 50%. At least 25% of people 65 and older are wired. This “silver tsunami” is attracted to the communication and informational aspects of the internet. Whether emailing friends and loved ones, doing online banking or searching for the best new set of golf clubs to be found, seniors are currently hanging ten with the younger surfers.

Enter Mildred Garfield--or to those in the know, Thoroughly Modern Millie --who at 81 is touted as one of the oldest bloggers online. At the suggestion of her son, Steve, Millie began her online diary more than 3 years ago and explains, “It makes my life so much more interesting. I wanted to connect to other people.” Millie’s blog features stories, recipes, favorite books and, of course, nuggets of wisdom. Number 3 on Millie’s top 10 list on staying young: "Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. The devil’s name is Alzheimer’s."

She expounds on the difficulties of opening jars of Nescafe, Tylenol bottles and nail polish in hilarious videos shot by her son. At a recent presentation to residents of an assisted living facility, Millie spoke about how important blogging can be for older people who have lost friends and family or who find getting out and about more difficult and do so less frequently. Writing is also something that a senior can do in a long-term care facility, so long as he or she has access to the Internet. I tend to agree with Millie, and think seniors who blog can reap the benefits of an interactive experience, feeling more closely connected to the outside world and those around them. Then there’s Millie’s main reason for blogging, “I enjoy it. I’m not interrupted and can complete my thought.” Something, dear readers, that we can all relate to.

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