No. 29 - Adapting to new technologies

A growing number of seniors have computers in their homes. In 1999, 16% of households headed by someone aged 65 and over owned a computer, up from 5% in 1990. The proportion of senior households with a computer, though, is still well below that of households with head under age 65, 58% of which had a computer that year. As well, among senior households, families are generally more likely to have a computer than seniors who live alone: 24% versus 6%.

Seniors are also less likely than younger people to use computer communications services, such as the Internet. In 1999, only 8% of households headed by a senior had Internet service, compared with 39% of households with head under age 65. The proportion of senior households with an Internet connection that year, however, was double what it was in 1997.

At the same time, many seniors own other technologically innovative equipment such as microwave ovens, VCRs, and CD players. In 1999, 83% of senior households had a microwave oven and 71% had a VCR. Only 36%, though, had a CD player.

Percentage of Households with selected technological equipment, 1998

Source: Statistics Canada