Connected With Their Families (NAPSA)—The number of older Americans connected to the Internet is growing every year, and more than ever, they are relying on e-mail to keep in touch with their loved ones this season. Today, older Americans are finding that exchanging e- mail and surfing the Web can greatly improve their quality of life. According to a recent survey conducted by Microsoft, most computer users over the age of 55 Set-top Internet devices makeit report that using the Internet makes it easier to stay in touch easy and inexpensive for seniors to stay in touch with family. chatting and sharing pictures online. Nearly 90 percent of those members, research their favorite with their family through e-mail, surveyed say that they are more in touch with family and friends recipes or vacation destinations, purchase products online or even participate in online auctions. It tions have increased thanks to the Internet. However, many older Ameri- uses a small set-top Internet receiver available from RCA for less then $100. The receiver connects easily to a television set and technology a daunting task. For a generation that did not grow up quickly access the Internet without any computerskills. Users can andthat their overall communica- cans have long considered using using technology at school or at work, getting online is not always an easy proposition. Giving a parent or grandparent Internet access as a gift requires a device that is easy to use and inexpensive. For people who are looking to give their parents or grandparents the gift of the Internet, the best revelation could be MSN TV service from Microsoft. This Internet device offers users Internet access on the television sets they already have, and is designed to be easy and simple to use. “Compared to other technolo- gies, the MSN TVservice is used more by Internet newcomers and older Americans,” said Sam Klepper, general manager, MSN TV. “This group has been historically intimidated by technology, but is finding the device and service easy to use and understand.” MSN TV users can easily receive and view e-mail photos of grandkids, children and family phone line, allowing users to get online within minutes from the comfort of their living room and enjoy manyof the benefits of the Internet from e-mail to surfing the Web. “Consumerelectronics companies and Websites, such as Senior Net.org, are developing more and more products and services that cater to older Americans,” said Ann Wrixon, CEO andpresidentof SeniorNet. “With MSN TV service, seniors can now send e-mail or instant messages, visit Web sites, shop online, and join chat rooms and newsgroups to explore a wide range of interests.” The RCA RM2100 Internet Receiver costs $99 and is available at major technologyretailers nationwide. No additional hardwareor software is required, but a monthly subscription plan is required. To check local access, call (800) 469-3288. Further infor- mation can be found online at www.msntv.com.
