USA: Tech-savvy seniors join Net set

Many retirees learn ins, outs of computing TUCSON, ARIZONA (ARIZONA DAILY STAR), June 13, 2005: Their generation did not grow up around computers, but they sure know how to use them - and other cutting-edge technology, too. Senior citizens on the Northwest Side have applied technology to everything from researching family history to converting music from cassette tapes to digital music files. "Seniors are becoming more and more savvy in regard to technology," said David Mitchell, state director of AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons. Oro Valley resident Bill Critch, 71, is one example of this tech-savvy set. The retired Boeing engineer reads WIRED magazine and has two computers. He uses one for a flight simulator program - reminiscent of his time flying for commercial airlines, the Coast Guard and the Air Force. Critch also has a digital camera, an iPod and his own blog - www.coolabah.com/ausblog/bill/ - on which he posts his memoirs about being born in California and growing up in Australia. For his latest tech project, Critch is converting between 60 and 70 cassette tapes to MP3s - a long process he says has to be done in real time. Critch, who hopes to start an iPod interest group in Sun City Vistoso, said many people there are looking for a help with the gadget's instructions. But he would like to see more residents come around. "There are a few old graybeards out here who are techies," he said. A study conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project shows that 22 percent of Americans age 65 and older use the Internet. The study also says the number of seniors surfing the Web jumped by 47 percent from 2000 to 2004. Those numbers translate to about 8 million Americans 65 or older using the Internet. To compare, 58 percent of Americans ages 50 to 64; 75 percent of 30- to 49-year-olds; and 77 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds use the Internet, the Pew report says. A large number of Sun City Vistoso's techies and techie-hopefuls are involved in the Vistoso Computer Society. More than 600 households among the nearly 2,500 homes in Sun City Vistoso are involved, said computer class instructor Gay Russell. Russell, who says she is older than 65 but wouldn't give an exact age, noted that the computer club, among more than 100 clubs in the community, has the largest membership. The club offers free classes and house calls for members with computer problems or questions. Dues are $25 per household per year. "A lot of retired people are interested in the use of computers," said Russell, a retired college professor. Classes cover basic computer use, e-mail, word processing, digital photography, Web design, PowerPoint presentations and accounting programs. The class schedule is on the club's home page at home.comcast.net/~rvcompclub/home.htm, and residents say that if you don't register soon after a class is posted, you might not get in. Evelyn Thomson, 67, an assistant class instructor, said she enjoys being around technology. "I usually learn something new myself," Thomson said. "I use computers because of necessity. I found out that you couldn't exist without computers, so I jumped in and I really enjoy it." Thomson says the club is popular because seniors want to keep their minds in shape. "When we age, the brain isn't as quick as it used to be," she said. "We need to learn new things to keep the brain active." Residents of Sunflower by Del Webb in Marana also have a computer club. The Sunflower Computer Club, which has 110 to 120 members, meets informally and offers free classes and programs. "A lot of them didn't know which end of the mouse to hold onto when we started," said club Vice President Mark Karwoski, 53, a retired phone systems technician. "Now people are keeping in touch with their grandkids, checking e-mail and watching the stock markets." Club members also can access wireless Internet at the community center with a limited "hot spot" funded by club dues. Members pay $25 per person or $35 per household per year. Residents teach each other what they know, Karwoski said. "You learn from everyone else's history," he said. A resident techie, Karwoski said he often helps club members by repairing their damaged or virus-infected computers. "I work for beer," he said. SaddleBrooke resident Steve Reggentin, 66, is also involved with the SaddleBrooke computer club - specifically working to revitalize interest in the use of Macintosh computers. Reggentin, who has an iPod and enjoys satellite radio in his car, said he finds the Mac format innovative and easy to use. By Sarah J. Bell (sbell@azstarnet.com) copyright © 1999-2005 AzStarNet, Arizona Daily Star