I frequently write about the advantages that technology is attaching to our increasing life expectancy. I also mention that the elderly are quite often victimized by their own outdated anticipation; not understanding that they can typically live not just longer, but better. A typical beliefs in accordance with past experience and wisdom is that the advantages of technology are focused only on young adults. In reality, technology companies are learning that senior citizens now manage a huge part of the disposable income, and they are rushing to meet their requires and desires.

The 50-and-over-crowd will be about one-third of the population of the United States and will outspend younger shoppers by about $1 trillion in 2010. Many of us will react by saying, "They are talking about some other senior citizens." However, we must note that we can still get the advantages of this phenomenon if we keep our eyes open for them.

Aging folks should be interested in the rise of a senior technology economy for two good reasons:

1. It will suggest a better quality of life for us. When we look hopefully at our current circumstances, we will notice a much different picture for aging than our parents did. For example, the Internet is, primarily, free. Optimistic people are going to use this inexpensive resource to engage in thrilling lives.

2. Seniors can earn money longer and more easily. Income can be earned operating from home using personal computers and the Internet. In addition, as the population ages, an increasing number of the business economy is managed by senior citizens.

I am acquainted with a man who retired from a "9 to 5" business when he was 60 years of age. He was involved in purchasing and handling a certain kind of specialized equipment for the last 20 years of his occupation. Immediately upon his "retirement" he was approached by one of the vendors of that kind of equipment and offered a very lucrative position selling it, on his own schedule, with a company car and all other costs paid. He traveled with his wife (whenever he wanted to) at the vendor's cost. When he preferred to stay home he made use of the telephone and Internet to communicate and do paperwork. Why did that vendor compensate him so well to advance from being a consumer to being a seller? They told him candidly that it was because most of the big buying decision-makers for their equipment were his friends, senior citizens or approaching senior citizenship, and they believed him for that reason.

The possibilities for earning money while working in your pajamas are ample and potentially lucrative. The opportunities are springing up a lot faster than we can explore them. We just have to move beyond our outmoded thoughts and expectations about aging and start surfing!