Title: Seniors and information technology: A potential goldmine of opportunity?

Authors: Mark E. McMurtrey, Ronald E. McGaughey, James P. Downey

Addresses: Department of MIS, University of Central Arkansas, 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72035-0001, USA. ' Department of MIS, University of Central Arkansas, 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72035-0001, USA. ' Department of MIS, University of Central Arkansas, 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72035-0001, USA

Abstract: The elderly represent an increasing proportion of the US residents, yet scant attention has been paid to them in terms of access and use of Information Technology (IT)-related products. Computer hardware and software vendors have much to gain by capitalising on this market segment. The elderly have more resources than their younger counterparts with which to spend on IT and IT-related products. Ignoring our seniors contributes to the so-called |grey digital divide| between older and younger computer users. We examine this situation in terms of opportunities for financial gain in practice and research issues into improving quality of life through IT.

Keywords: computer design; digital inclusion; elderly; information technology; older people; quality of life; senior citizens; use of technology; ICT; grey digital divide.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIM.2009.025371

International Journal of Intercultural Information Management, 2009 Vol.1 No.3, pp.300 - 316

Published online: 19 May 2009 *

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