Seniors plug in.

Byline: Lewis Taylor The Register-Guard

When Duane Marquiz, 69, first started using the Internet several years ago, he found the process of visiting Web sites "very confusing."

"I had to start out from scratch," Marquiz recalls. "I just started by teaching myself. Luckily I had friends who helped me."

The Internet has since become a valuable tool for Marquiz, a missionary who travels to the Philippines to preach the Gospel roughly every year and a half. He uses the Web to buy plane tickets, rent an apartment and communicate with his Filipino friends.

"It doesn't take very long. You really pick it up pretty fast," says Marquiz, who now navigates sites such as Friendster, Craigslist and eBay like a pro.

Marquiz isn't the only senior who's getting connected. Americans ages 65 and older are the fastest growing demographic when it comes to Internet use. Since 2000, the number of older Americans using the Internet rose more than 160 percent, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

Whether it's e-mailing friends, receiving digital photos of the grandkids or buying and selling on eBay, seniors are embracing the Internet, and the stereotype of the technophobic granny is clearly fading.

At the city of Eugene's Campbell Senior Center, a 10-year-old computer literacy program that once included only basic classes on how to use a computer has evolved into a diverse curriculum that features a variety of classes, specialized workshops and a popular drop-in computer lab.

The center's computer curriculum allows workshops to be added based on interest, which is how the center has been able to add instruction on such topics as using the Internet phone service Skype and how to navigate social networking Web sites such as Myspace.com.

"We've had some seniors wanting to know about Myspace so they can have that connection with their grandchildren and know what it's all about and how to use it," said Yvaughn Tompkins, the city's recreation manager for Senior Services. "We even had one woman who wanted to know about computer dating."

Other popular Internet classes at the center include Exploring eBay and Using the Internet to Plan and Book Your Vacation.

At the Willamalane Adult Activity Center in Springfield, computer classes and drop-in hours are just as popular with seniors.

"The Internet is almost becoming a necessity," said Rachelle Owen, computer program coordinator for the center. "It gives them a little more access to their family and friends with e-mail and instant messaging. A lot of people are using the Internet to get their prescription plans. A lot of seniors are traveling and using the Internet to get tickets and information."

In the past, Owen says, many seniors inherited older computers when their kids decided to invest in a newer, faster machine. But now that seniors are becoming more interested in using the Web, many are not satisfied with an older, slower machine and a dial-up Internet connection. Owen says she's fielding more and more questions from seniors who are interested in buying a new computer.

"I tell them to get as much computer as they can afford," Owen said. "I tell them to not just assume they're just going to be using it for e-mail. Often people decide digital pictures would be nice."

But for those who can't afford a new machine or don't want to spend the money, both Willamalane and the Campbell Center offer the free use of modern machines with fast and free Internet hookups. That's an attractive prospect to many seniors based on the number who show up regularly during drop-in hours.

"I think I was born 25 years too early, because I would have been really interested in this stuff, and I love computers," said John Horne, 64, of Springfield, who spends about three hours a day on the Web at the Campbell Center and the Eugene Public Library. "The cost of doing business is less, and I can do things faster than I ever could. People try to send me faxes, and I tell them I don't use faxes - they're antiquated."

For people such as Horne and Marquiz, the missionary, the Internet has proven to be a valuable resource. It's a story Tompkins has seen time and time again.

"They want to be connected," she said. "And for some, I think it's really opened some doors."

CYBER SENIORS

Here are a few places for seniors to find Internet classes and information.

Campbell Center: The center offers individual training for $10 an hour; computer literacy classes and specialized workshops from $6 to $36; and free Internet use during drop-in hours in its computer room. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The center is at 155 High St. For a list of classes and workshops for seniors, go to www.eugene-or .gov/rec.

Willamalane Adult Activity Center: The center offers a variety of classes that range from $6 to $35. The center is at 215 West C St.. Springfield. For more information on classes, go to www .willamalane.org or call 736-4444.

River Road Park & Recreation District : The center will be offering computer and Internet classes for seniors starting in September. For more information, call 688-4052 or go to www.rrpark.org/a_seniors/ services2.htm.

Viking Sal Senior Center: The Junction City center has free 30-minute one-on-one Internet and computer assistance appointments every Monday. Appointments, which are scheduled for 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m., are available to folks older than 55. Participants may attend as many sessions as needed. Call 998-1556 to sign up. The computer lab is also open and free of charge whenever the center is open. The center is at 245 W. Fifth Ave., Junction City.

Lane Community College Continuing Education: The noncredit continuing education program will hold a three-week Basics of the Internet and E-mail class on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. Classes begin Oct. 18 at the LCC Downtown Center, 1059 Willamette St. Cost is $39, plus $8 in student fees. Online registration begins Aug. 22. Go to www .lanecc.edu and click on Express Lane. Registration by phone starts Sept. 6 at 463-5252.