Yasuda is 95 years old. Looking for easier ways to search the Web and send email, he bought Apple's iPad. The company has sold 3.27 million iPads since they entered the market in April. Although it's impossible to know with certainty how many seniors are buying them, evidence suggests that it's a hit with seniors. 

The iPad's intuitive interface makes it attractive to seniors around the world, says Takahiro Miura, a researcher at the University of Tokyou. "The iPad is a good tool for seniors because it's very easy to use," he says. "Unlike the PC, it doesn't require former knowledge." 

James Cordwell, a researcher in London, says the iPad's popularity with seniors is helping Apple reach beyond its traditional base of young customers. "The world's population, especially in developed markets, is getting older. It's probably a market where Apple has least entered, " Cordwell says. Senior users are "a key source of growth for them in the future." 

Seniors make up about 22 percent of the population in Japan. They may prove that seniors are willing to accept the iPad. Besides the customer group under 30, they spend more than any other group in the country, according to a report. Motoo Kitamura, 78, a former gas salesman, bought an iPad to help him communicate with his 2-year-old grandson and prevent him from experiencing some of the mental problems that sometimes come with getting older. "Trying new things like that is good mental exercise," he says.
What makes the iPad appealing to older people?
And who said that?
And his occupation?
What did he say when comparing it to a computer?
Why is this seen as beneficial for Apple?
And who said that?
What did he say about the long-term outlook for this?
How many of these devices have been sold?
What percentage of Japanese people are elderly?
Do they have lots of money?
Who uses one to connect with his grandchild?
And how old is he?
What did he do for work?
What is another benefit he has found from it?
intuitive interface
intuitive interface
Takahiro Miura
Takahiro Miura
researcher
researcher 
doesn't require former knowledge
doesn't require former knowledge
reach beyond its traditional base
reach beyond its traditional base 
James Cordwell
James Cordwell
a key source of growth for them in the future
a key source of growth for them in the future
3.27 million
3.27 million
22 percent
22 percent
unknown
unknown
Motoo Kitamura
Motoo Kitamura
78
78
gas salesman
gas salesman
mental problems
mental problems