Seniors Language Paradigms: 21 Century Jargon and the Impact on Computer Security and Financial Transactions for Senior Citizens

Senior Citizens represent a unique cohort of computer users insomuch as they have come to the field of computer usage later in life, as novices compared to other users. As a group they exhibit a resentment, mistrust and ignorance towards cyber related technology that is born out of their educational and social experiences prior to widespread information technology. The shift from analogue to digital proficiency has been understated for a generation of citizens who were educated before computer usage and internet ubiquity. This paper examines the language difficulties encountered by senior citizens in attempting to engage in banking and communications that now rely heavily on internet connectivity and computer expression. In particular, this research exposes a generational problem facing senior citizens in the security of their financial assets.