Even though the younger generation continues to dominate computer and internet use, never let it be said that their older counterparts are being excluded from the technology superhighway.

From surfing the web, to sending e-mail, sharing pictures, paying bills, researching travel sites, personal health care, news, weather, and listening to music, senior citizens are taking advantage of the convenience of the computer.

According to a study performed by Pew Internet & American Life Project Generations Online, Internet usage among America’s oldest citizens grew 73 percent from 2005 to 2008.

"Older generations use the Internet less for socializing and entertainment and more as a tool for information searches, emailing, and buying products,” read the Pew Report." Perhaps most important to ecommerce merchants is the fact that 47 percent of Americans older than 72 made online purchases, making them one of the most likely generations to shop online. With the growing senior population, this trend deserves the attention of all ecommerce merchants.”

Studies show that seniors 65 and older find the Internet a convenient way of staying in touch with loved ones. And social networking sites such as Facebook and My Space are being utilized by seniors at an ever growing rate.

Not only has Internet use risen, but statistically, seniors are spending more time on the web. According to Chuck Schilling, research director, agency and media, Nielsen’s online division, in November 2004 seniors spent an average of 52 hours per month on line and in 2009 the number jumped to 58 hours.

In a paper published in 2009 by the Phoenix Center, it is estimated that surfing the web reduces depression in senior citizens by 20 percent.

"Maintaining relationships with friends and family at a time in life when mobility becomes increasingly limited is challenging for the elderly," says Phoenix Center Visiting Scholar and study co-author Dr. Sherry G. Ford. "Increased Internet access and use by senior citizens enables them to connect with sources of social support when face-to-face interaction becomes more difficult."

Seniors are warned though, that because of their inexperience with the Internet and its varied sites, they have been targets of scams and schemes. Senior citizens are cautioned to beware of get rich quick, prime bank note, credit card, pyramid, and letter fraud schemes.

For additional information on protecting a senior internet user, please visit www.FBI.gov/scams-safety/fraud/seniorson the web.

According to NielsenWire following are the top ten most visited Internet sites by senior citizens: 1. Google Search; 2. Windows Media Player; 3. Facebook; 4. YouTube; 5. Amazon; 6. Yahoo Mail; 7. Yahoo Search; 8. Yahoo Homepage; 9. Bing web; and 10. Google Maps.

And, the top ten on line activity by seniors include: 1. Checking personal e-mail; 2. Researching and printing maps; 3. Checking weather reports; 4. Paying or viewing bills; 5. Viewing or posting photos; 6. Reading general or political news; 7. Checking information on personal health care; 8. Researching or planning a trip; 9. Searching recipes for meal preparation; and 10. Reading business and finance news.

For senior citizen information on the web, visit www.usa.gov. and click senior citizen resources.

Other senior sites include: www.AARP.org; www.eldernet.com; www.thirdage.com; www.seniornet.org; www.agenet.com; www.seniorjournal.com; and www.nsclc.org