Using the Internet to build bridges to isolated older people

Objective: To evaluate isolated older persons' Perceptions of cognitively c hallenging courses delivered through the Internet. Method: Characteristics, aspirations and perceptions of the impact of the c ourses were obtained from 29 of 34 participants who completed pre-and post- course written surveys and telephone interviews. Results: Nearly three-quarters of the participants were women and most of t hese were aged over 65. Few were experienced Internet users. More than half lived ill large cities but regarded themselves as isolated by circumstance s such as poor health or care-giving. Most wanted to continue using the Int ernet for personal development and to communicate with others. Conclusions: The Internet may be able to enrich the lives Of isolated older adults.