Despite the fact that people 65 and older still make up less than 10 percent of the users on the web, their numbers are growing rapidly. 

Over the last five years the number of seniors actively using the Internet has increased by more than 55 percent, from 11.3 million active users in November 2004 to 17.5 million in November 2009 says Neilsen Wire.  

Not only are more people 65 and older heading online, but they are also spending more time on the Web. Time spent on the Internet by seniors increased 11 percent in the last five years, from approximately 52 hours per month in November 2004 to just over 58 hours in 2009.

“The over 65 crowd represents about 13% of the total population and with this increase in online usage, they are beginning to catch up with their offline numbers,” notes Chuck Schilling, research director, agency & media, Nielsen’s online division.

“Looking at what they’re doing online, it makes sense they’re engaged in many of the same activities that dominate other age segments – e-mail, sharing photos, social networking, checking out the latest news and weather – and it’s worth noting that a good percentage of them are spending time with age-appropriate pursuits such as leisure travel, personal health care and financial concerns.”

With more reverse mortgage lenders moving online looking to reach consumers, most have turned to Google products like AdWords to help.  Turns out Google is the place to be to reach a large volume of seniors.  According to Neilsen’s data, the No. 1 online destination for people over 65 in November 2009 was Google Search, with 10.3 million unique visitors.

Below is a chart showing the top 10 destinations for people 65+ in November.

Six Million More Seniors Using the Web than Five Years Ago