TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pasco News

Hudson woman, 93, joins the silver surfers

ADVERTISEMENT

SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: October 28, 2009

HUDSON - At age 93, Dorothy Johnson believes she is never too old to learn.

Her daughter recently sent Johnson a notebook computer so she could stay in touch with family by e-mail. Johnson knew nothing about computers and had never learned to type.

"I realized that I was behind the times and I needed to do something," Johnson commented in a press release. "It was easy to get started, I just called CARES."

So the senior citizen signed up for computer instructions at CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D., Enrichment Center in Hudson, CARES spokeswoman Caryl Melancon explained in a press release.

Originally from West Virginia, Johnson moved to Florida in 1976 with her husband who subsequently passed away.

She has two children: a daughter who lives in California and a son who lives in Maryland. She also, has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

With her family spread out across the country, Johnson wanted to stay in touch better.

"I was behind the times and needed to do something. I wanted to be able to use a computer. Now I have learned to type, to use the Internet, to e-mail and how to store my pictures."

Johnson joins the growing ranks of silver surfers, since older adults are the fastest growing demographic on the Internet, according to data from the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

Since 2005, the percentage of those 76 years old or older who surf the Web rose from 17 percent to 27 percent.

The Pew study also shows e-mail is the most popular choice of silver surfers, but older Internet users are less likely to choose online banking, shopping or social networking sites.

Johnson still drives around the subdivision roads, but stays off major roads. She plays bridge two or three times a week and goes out to dinner with a friend twice a week.

Johnson is a descendent of John Blair, a signer of the United States Constitution. There is always someone named Blair in the family. Her daughter's name is Blair, her brother is named Blair, and she has a great-grandson named Blair.

"I enjoy learning," Johnson states, praising her computer teachers. "CARES made it easy to get stated. They are very caring."

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT