When Joyce Jacobson got a new iMac a couple of years ago, she was scared to even take it out of the box. I was afraid I'd hit some keys and the whole thing would self-destruct. Today, she trades stocks online, balances her checkbook with Quicken, exchanges e-mail with friends and relatives and runs her small investment club over the Internet. Next, she wants to learn about Napster so she can download jazz, opera and country music. Jacobson is among a growing wave of seniors who have found that new technologies can keep them connected, help overcome physical limitations and open new horizons.
Seniors are the fastest-growing segment of the online population.
Between September 1999 and September 2000, the number of people online over age 55 grew 48.9 percent, versus 19 percent growth for the general population, according to Media Metrix. Because it relies on a familiar appliance, the learning curve may be less. Internet appliances generally have a screen, keyboard, memory and built-in modem. It has a keyboard for typing outgoing messages. The company plans more deluxe versions next year that will add Web browsing.