Silver Surfers Search for Gold: a Study Into the Online Information-Seeking Skills of Those Over Fifty

Older adults are now the fastest growing population of online users the world over (Olson et al. Ageing International, 36(1), 123–145, 2011). Encouraging data continues to emerge regarding the rate of Internet adoption among those over fifty in particular (Hernandez-Encuentra et al. Educational Gerontology, 35(3), 226–245, 2009). Yet questions as to the effectiveness of such use and of training designed to advance the skills of our senior surfers continue to go unanswered. While a great deal has been written on seniors and technology in general, very few studies “regarding age and its influence on search behaviour” can be found (Singer et al. 2012). This paper uses Literature Review as a method to scope and define this gap. The need for future research that specifically addresses online searching behaviours and effective training in this area for those over fifty is discussed.Arts, Education & Law Group, School of Education and Professional StudiesFull Tex