Silver surfers: Training and evaluating internet use among older adult learners

Two hundred ninety-two older adult learners (averaging 80 years of age) wer e recruited from assisted and independent living facilities to learn about computer technologies and surf the Internet. A training program designed fo r adult learners involved weekly meetings with a mentor who helped individu als visit sites of their own choosing. Those who learned to surf the Intern et had more positive attitudes toward aging, higher levels of perceived soc ial support, and higher levels of connectivity. Surfers spent more time on- line when computer efficacy was high, computer anxiety low and attitudes to ward aging were positive. Participation in the 4-month program was associat ed with significantly reduced computer anxiety and increased ratings of per ceived social support and connectivity.