Seniors on the Web

Gone are the days when turning fifty meant donning orthopedic shoes and resigning oneself to a life of medication, inactivity, and dentures. The Internet has begun to recognize that for many, these years can bring just as much zest for life as the preceding fifty, and in that spirit, sites devoted not just to health and retirement issues but also to consumer advice and investment tips have lured a generation online. Design plays a prominent role in drawing visitors to any site; stylish layouts particularly capture the attention of those who have been around long enough to discern imaginative graphics from drab or flashy ones. And since older people generally have more money to spend than younger ones, advertising revenues heavily subsidize these sites, providing the funds to keep them looking sophisticated.

More homespun web offerings encourage users to generate the content themselves. For instance, some sites consist of users' photos and personal essays, plus book and television reviews that help the aging and elderly feel connected to others who share their experiences and tastes. Interested scribes can even find pen pals to exchange stories with at one website that only requires that participants be aged 55 or up.

Unfortunately, age discrimination remains one of the last socially acceptable forms of prejudice, and often prevents senior citizens from receiving the same employment opportunities as younger job seekers. Bearing this in mind, some organizations offer advice for those who face intolerance either on the job or during the job search itself. However, most websites choose to focus on the joys of retirement and other positive aspects of aging.