Grandparents And Teens

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - When senior citizens month was started in 1963, there were 17 million people over 65. The name was changed in 1980 to older adults month during the administration of Jimmy Carter.

In the 2000 census, it was reported that there were approximately 35 million people 65+ and in a short eleven years, technology has changed them. Fifty-eight percent of those 65-78 use the web, 50% shop online and 90% use email.

Years past, communication between a grandparent and grandchild was at thanksgiving or Sunday evening calls after 8pm when rates changed. Now, rather than think of technology as impersonal, it brings the generations together and often, with casual, quick email responses and smiles on Skype.

A Wall Street Journal article about grandparents and teens suggests that the groups are alike -- they have free time, disposable income for gadgets and a keen interest in staying in touch with people. Most important, they're connecting.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio