Analysis of New Media Behaviors by the Old

The elderly show have a strong preference for the use of new media

A survey indicates that senior citizens in China have a strong preference for the use of new media. Statistics collected from Jinan and Jinhua in 2005 showed that 70 out of 121of elderly people, who had no previous knowledge of basic computer skills, would like to learn about surfing the net, constituting the 78% of the interviewed. A similar result appears also from another survey, conduced in 2001. In this second survey, amongst 2379 people above the age of 60, 60% of them were eager to acquire computer skills. It, therefore, follows the conclusion that more and more seniors are interested in becoming active online. According to Hu Qiheng, president of ISC, “senior citizens could benefit greatly from navigating the web, which could provide a valuable shopping platform for those people who have physical limitations. Moreover, online channels not only could facilitate the communication with friends and relatives, but also could overcame obstacles, such as loneliness and isolation. 

Elderly’s online activities show some common features: 

1.Use of new media for social economic activities. It is normally estimated that the elderly’s engagement in the social economic activities refers to undertaking a rewarding job after retirement. However, in the age of new media, the economic activities performed by this group of people have also changed. As a matter of fact, physical labor is not necessarily the only way to contribute to the economy. Other kind of activities, linked to the use of new media, can also be regarded as contributions, such as commodity transactions, online shopping and fees payment.

2.Maintain interpersonal relationships through the use of new media. As data shows, almost 70% of the elderly prefers to express their feelings by posting their daily stories on blogs; over 80% would spend at least 1 hour visiting blogs; finally, 90% of them enjoy taking part in interactions, by leaving comments, following reading a post. All the facts confirm that seniors, who are able to surf the net, are making full use of social tools, benefiting from them as well as giving their contribution by making their voice heard. 

3.Amusing themselves through new media platforms. For those elderly who have the desire, but not the ability, to enjoy outdoor entertainments, the Internet provides a vivid and fantastic world to discover and explore. Online activities include chess, poker, several kinds of games, music, videos and so on.    
 
4.The use of new media in volunteer community activities. As was pointed out earlier, senior citizens in China show their interest in online activities. Moreover, quite a few old people take part in the voluntary activities and make use of social media tools to manage the community affairs and to mobilize more individuals.

5.Using new media to engage in other activity areas. New media’s channels not only extend to economic and cultural activities, but also further connect people to the ever-changing society. New media tools are pivotal to share information and knowledge related to various aspects of life, such as education, medical service or welfare provision.