CCTV9英语新闻：China's growing number of 'silver surfers'

There are nearly 700 million internet users in China. And people over 60 years-old account for a mere 3.9 per cent of that total number, up one and a half percent from a year earlier. 

 

Their numbers may be few, but the difference made to their lives could be huge. In this internet era, looks at how these"silver surfers" fit in. 

 

For the elderly in Beijing, this may have been day to day life. But now that life is seeing big changes by walking out from the corner of society into the new world.

 

And the Internet is the door. 83 year-old Xia Xiuru is one of those who've stepped out. She's lived a rich life, but she found there's still a lot to learn.

 

From typing Chinese to sharing her favourite moments on wechat with her children or maybe grandchildren. Xia says now she understands what "net-addiction" is.

 

"At the beginning, I burnt the porridge several times when cooking. Because I was so into my iPad and didn't want to move. Then I smelt burning and ran to the kitchen. The food had turned into a mess," said Xia Xiuru. 

 

Reading the news, making doctor's appointments. Even buying a brand new washing machine all this on her iPad. And she's not the only one who's clicked into the convenience.

 

Every Wednesday and Thursday, hundreds of "silver surfers" just like Xia, gather here at Beijing's Anhuali community, learning to navigate the Internet and smartphones. 

 

Community workers say wechat, weather forecast and mobile maps are the three most popular phone apps for these citizens.

 

"These classes have been held for over two years. One class for using smartphones, another for computers. Up until now we have enrolled over 5600 elderly students," said Ren Shizheng, Deputy Director of Anzhen Street Office.

 

There are 200 million people over 60 years old in China. And to help them enter the world of Internet, there's still a lot to overcome.

 

"I've downloaded a cab-hailing app, I don't dare use it though, because it needs online payment."

 

"Do you know how to use a smartphone to book a train ticket?"

 

"I don't know how to use it"

 

"I can only browse when shopping online. I made my selection but had to turn to my daughter, and ask for her help to buy the product. She said mom you need to learn online shopping," 

 

"I said could you please teach me. She said it's easy, but has still not taught me. I will have to wait until she has time."

 

Analysts say complex operation, fear of online payment fraud and lack of systematic teaching are all factors blocking out the elderly.

 

Helping them benefit truly from modern technology is a task worth everyone's concern.