there is not as large a population of the older generation online)
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That was once true, but seniors are now the fastest growing segment of the internet community.
From my viewpoint it is obvious, because I email most of my old cronies on a regular basis. My uncle, who is nearly 90 spends a lot of time on his computer. That is not surprising considering that he is a retired television engineer and loves anything electronic. Both of my sisters are online, as are my closest high school friends (class of '53), and a long string of my fellow Cushman collectors who are mostly past 60. Closer to home, my next door neighbor and the guy across the street from him spend a lot of time on their computers.

Older people have found that the internet is cheaper, more convenient, and faster than long distance and snail mail. Before the internet, I heard from my two sisters only three or four times a year. Now I exchange emails with the one that lives 2400 miles to the west on a daily basis and the one that lives 900 miles to the northeast every week or two. (She hasn't retired yet.)

I have a cousin who is in his early 60's and is comfined to a wheelchair much of the time, but between his ham radio and his computer, he is not isolated or lonely. In fact he seems to enjoy life. He and I used to swap email jokes. I ran out long before he did.

One of the reasons for this old-timers rush to the internet is that retired people have more time. Nevertheless, it was a surprise to me how many old coots were online. But I guess you have to be one of them to notice.
Howard