Age of cyberspace

Nozia Sayyed / TNN / Jun 19, 2007, 00:00 IST

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The senior citizens are not shying away from computers anymore. In fact, they're trying new and varied options to keep in touch with their near and dear ones.

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The senior citizens are not shying away from computers anymore. In fact, they're trying new and varied options to keep in touch with their near and dear ones.

The senior citizens are not shying away from computers anymore. In fact, they're trying new and varied options to keep in touch with their near and dear ones.Citizens, above 60, are among the fastest growing net users in the country. Of the sample group surveyed, 81 per cent said they use the internet for five or more hours a week. And they don't send or receive messages only.
Encouraged by their grandchildren, they are also trying out chatting and video conferencing. "Who says the internet is only for young people?" questions Gandharva Jadhav, 62, a businessman. "I am in regular touch with my son, who is doing hotel management in Australia, through video conferencing." Ask him how he got into video conferencing, and he says, "I got to know about it from one of my friends. I used to use internet for business purposes, but now I use it for chatting as well."
Similarly, Ranjana Naidu, a homemaker from Salunkhe Vihar, has started taking computers seriously. "My daughter is in the States and I miss her a lot.”
The senior citizens are not shying away from computers anymore. In fact, they're trying new and varied options to keep in touch with their near and dear ones. According to the Internet and Mobile Association of India, senior video conferencing in my computer." How did she become tech savvy? "It's the latest trend now. I have seen so many people of my age going to the net cafes and browsing the net, but I didn't have a clue how it worked. So, I've joined a professional course, and it is making my life more interesting," she says excitedly.

Umesh Mehta, a software engineer and owner of a cyber cafe, says, "We have installed a software that enables you to talk through video conferencing, as we have more senior citizens who are either retired or don't have anything to do at home asking for the same."
Clearly, the seniors have come a long way from the days of telephonic conversation. Explains Umesh, "Talking through video conferencing is cheaper compared to telephonic calls. If it costs Rs 5 per minute for an ISD call, chatting through video conferencing costs you only Rs 15 per hour."
nozia.sayyed@timesgroup .com

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