Internet prompts the publishing itch in over-60s

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LONDON | Mon Feb 8, 2010 10:15am EST

LONDON (Reuters) - The Internet is helping older British readers rekindle a love of books and writing, and an overwhelming majority of senior citizens see the medium as a positive development, according to a survey.

Some 31 percent of people over 60 are keen to go online to publish short stories and join book clubs, the survey by charity Booktrust in Britain found.

Mark Johnson, digital producer for HarperCollins Authonomy website said it was attracting high numbers of people over 50.

"Perhaps this is because age and experience can offer a clear advantage to anyone hoping to write engagingly or perhaps older people now have more time, and are more confident, to share their passions online," he said.

"But our experience suggests that older generations aren't just learning how to use the web -- they're taking advantage of it like never before."

The survey of 1,162 over-60s found 55 percent view the internet as a crucial part of their lives and that 93 percent see it as a positive development, with over 32 percent stating that they find having access to the internet liberating.

The survey was carried out by Booktrust to help publicize Bookbite, a reading and creative writing project for over-60s. More information www.bookbite.org.uk

(Reporting by Simon Falush; Editing by Steve Addison)

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Comments (2)
mdspatsy wrote:
Very good article from this editor.
Yes.Many senior citizens and different age groups are using latest internet applications for reading e books,listening music from e music and writing on many stories, more publications to many networks.
This is a very good sign for spending,sharing their knowledges to many web users,members to many websites.
World has changed into electronic speed and we too changed to modern concepts.,

Feb 09, 2010 12:46pm EST  --  Report as abuse
This is a natural evolution of the local clubs and community activities people are involved with in their off-line world. The fact that this demographic is embracing the Internet for this type of social activity is significant. This greatly expands and enriches the experience for people as it can connect local communities globally.

I believe that people in this demographic will ultimately show us the right balance between experience life in both the on-line and off-line world.

Feb 10, 2010 10:51am EST  --  Report as abuse
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