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Last Updated: Monday, 22 May 2006, 04:59 GMT 05:59 UK
Silver Surfers
Declan Curry talks to Maggie Philbin
Watch today's interviews again
Parents complain that their teenagers spend hours on the net chatting to their friends.

But, there's no age barrier to using the internet.

And a series of events around the country this week is setting out to prove that it can be just as fun for the over fifties to surf the web.

Silver Surfers Week is being organised by Age Concern and British Telecom, together with Microsoft and Digital Unite.

The idea is to de-mystify the net and show older people how easy it is to keep in touch with friends and family - and meet new people.

This morning on Breakfast:

  • TV presenter Maggie Philbin told Declan Curry more about Silver Surfers week.

  • Our Business Reporter Brian Milligan went to meet a very unusual bunch of web-surfers: the Chelsea Pensioners.

    What you told Breakfast
    I was scared of computers and learnt to use one when I was 49 in a free "taster" session. I'm now 56 and a web designer. The computer has definitely changed my life.
    Carol, Folkestone

    A survey for Age Concern found that almost half of over 50s don't have access to a computer.

    Many are put off by the cost - and are daunted by what seems like a hugely complicated exercise.

    But, when they do get online, many over-50s are hooked

    The beauty of the internet is that you can use it at any time, no matter how frail you are.

    So, if it's difficult to carry home heavy shopping bags, for instance, you can shop online instead.

    To help spread the message that the internet can be fun, a special bus, equipped with computers and trainers, will be touring the country, to provide hands-on experience.

    Getting help

    To find out about events in your area, call 0800 100 900. Or use the Silver Surfer week website for a postcode search



  • BBC NEWS: VIDEO AND AUDIO
    Learning to love the net
    We talked to former Tomorrow's World presenter Maggie Philbin


    Surfing with the Chelsea Pensioners
    Brian Milligan meets forces veterans who've taken to the net



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