Among our “always-on” society, there tends to be the assumption that technology and all of its benefits is only embraced by the younger generations. While it is true that in the past, children have often been more adept at setting the clock on the VCR than Mom or Dad, but those times are changing. Technology is too integrated into our society to classify it for only one demographic.

Consider also the fact that America’s aging population has worked with some form of computer or other advanced technology for the past 25 years. The virtual world has become accessible for nearly everyone and has no age restrictions. As such, it is easy to understand how the face of the average online social networker is changing so rapidly.

 

Given these realities in technology and society, why are 20- and 30-year-olds still shocked when people nearly double their age know what terms like “data exchange,” “html,” or “blogging” mean?

 

“The machine that gave way to the modern computer was born in the 1940s, so why can’t the computer’s users also have been born in the same decade?” asks Suzanne Caplan, a successful business writer, consultant, and founder and CEO of WomenEtcetera.com. “Young people believe MySpace (News - Alert) is their space only, which is fine.  But that doesn’t mean our demographic isn’t demanding our own real estate in Cyberspace.” 

As a result, Caplan created WOMENetcetera, a rapidly growing space that is becoming the go-to place for modern, mature women in the continuously growing 50- to 70-year-old demographic.  Beyond a social networking and relationship building tool, the Web site also provides a forum for serious topics like work and careers, financial security, and medical issues.

 

“At our age, many of us have scars that still need healing,” said Caplan.  “The site is a non-traditional instrument for women wanting to develop their resiliency.”

This philosophy is perfectly aligned with Caplan’s excitement in announcing the addition of noted author and blogger C.J. Golden to WOMENetcetera. “She is the exactly unique voice that personifies what our online community is about.”

 

Author of “Tao of the Defiant Woman,” Golden now writes tips and blogs on WomenEctetera.com. Said Golden: “They are a necessary and vital community.  I am proud to be playing even a small role within this far-reaching and rapidly growing program.” 

 

“A defiant attitude added to a Tao philosophy endows mature women with the necessary skills to deal with the changes life brings after 50 in a positive and healthy manner,” Golden added.

 

Noting Microsoft’s (News - Alert) recent business assessments stressing the value of serving America’s aging population; Caplan highlighted: “We need to learn to laugh at ourselves as well as the others who underestimate us.  We are still a generation to be reckoned with and we know how to make a difference… even if it is online!”