Use of the Internet decreases steadily with age. Only 14 percent of men and 8 percent of women in the over-65 group use the Internet in the United Kingdom.

Access and cost are the main reasons give for the gray population not using the web. Once these have been overcome there are still psychological barriers.

A new study from the University of Surrey researches the other issues that prevent the over 55s from using the Internet. Results from the study show that web usage increases if the Internet and e-mail are thought of as useful, easy to use and anxieties about using it are low. Once the over 55s do become regular Internet surfers, however, these psychological barriers are broken down. In addition the study found that only a minority of this group had formal training in how to use the Internet. Friends and family teach the majority of users at home.

"It is vital to reduce people's fear of computers and the Internet and to increase their comfort with technology," says Nichola Adams, co-author of the new study. Adams recommends that web sites need to be simpler in their design to make the Internet accessible to this age group, allowing for working memory and spatial ability in older adults. Internet marketing needs to be increased and specifically targeted at this age group. Online help and error message terminology should be more user-friendly. Finally, training aimed solely at the over 55s is essential.

The Ergonomics Report™ of May 18, 2005 will pick up on the subject of Internet use by over-55 users. The extended report will explore the particular cognitive barriers of this age group in more depth, talk to experts on the issue and to over-55 users about their Internet experiences – and difficulties.

Source: Adams, N, Stubbs, D, Woods V (2005). "Psychological Barriers to Internet usage among older adults in the United Kingdom. Medical Informatics and the Internet in Medicine. March 2005. 30 (1): 3-17