Older, Wiser Bloggers

Only 0.3 percent of the Internet's estimated 53.4 million bloggers are age 50 or older, according to a recent study by Perseus, a Web survey firm, but their ranks—160,000 or so—are growing.

Among the pioneers is Millie Garfield, 80, of Swampscott, Mass., who's been writing "My Mom's Blog" for the past three years. "One day, I saw an article in the Boston Globe about bloggers, and so I asked my son Steve, who's into computers, 'What the heck is this blogging thing?' " she says. "He said, 'Ma, you should start your own blog.' "

Using Web-based blogging software, she's able to share with the world her observations and musings—even her recipe for apple crisp. Garfield's recent topics have ranged from sightseeing at the Grand Canyon to reminiscences about "Mexican Hayride," a 1940s Cole Porter musical. She's become so hooked on blogging, in fact, that she seldom watches TV anymore.

Clarence Bowles, 65, of Erlanger, Ky., calls his Web journal "Can You Hear Me Now?" It allows him to share his thoughts on movies, fishing and the monthly meetings of his Good Ole Boys Club companions. "I like having my own soapbox to speak to the world on," he says.

Perhaps the dean of older bloggers is Ronni Bennett, 64, of New York. Her blog, "Time Goes By," may be the only one that focuses exclusively on aging-related issues. Bennett, a former managing editor of CBSNews.com, often writes as "Crabby Old Lady," opining on subjects such as the dearth of cosmetics for older faces.

"Ninety-eight percent of what is written about getting older is about disease, decline and disability," Bennett says. "I'm trying to be an advocate for older people by taking on the youth and beauty police."