BRITAIN. 'Silver Surfers' Ahead On Points

LONDON (The Telegraph), April 30, 2002: OLDER internet users can take heart from new research that shows that while children may master technology quickly, they often find the internet more frustrating and less satisfying than their elder counterparts. According to usability expert Jakob Nielsen, the common belief that you need a 12-year-old to set your video does not necessarily mean that today's youth find using the internet a happier experience than their slower but more patient seniors. He said: "For example, while it's true that kids love whizz-bang animation and sound effects, even these things won't hold their attention if they find something too difficult to figure out, or they get lost on a website. Children are quick to close the browser window and find something else to do." According to Mr Nielsen's research, "silver surfers" - internet users over 65 - took nearly twice as long to complete online tasks, and had a 53pc success rate compared with the average of 78pc. However, they were more determined to work their way through websites, even the ones that are poorly designed, and found their internet usage relatively more satisfying. Mr Nielsen, who runs internet research company NN/g, said: "What did surprise us is what good sports the seniors were about it. "They tended to see the positive parts in generally negative experiences. They enjoyed a good challenge." According to Oftel, the telecoms regulator, 28pc of people over the age of 65 in the UK have internet access. Copyright Telegraph Group Limited