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Web 2.0, the current phase of the World Wide Web and online applications, is characterized by user-generated, interactive and dynamic content (O’Reilly, 2005; Evans, 2007; Rollett, 2007; Anderson, 2004). There are many indicators that seniors (50+) use these opportunities only partially and underestimate the opportunities that ICT has in store for them. In this paper we examine the changing role of the user in view of the transformation from user to ‘produser’ (Bruns, 2006) by Web 2.0 and to what extent elderly people are participating in online communities and producing content on the emerged Web 2.0 platforms, such as Wikipedia. Therefore we use the findings from the research project TAO (Third Age Online), which started in October 2010. In this research project several partners will search for innovative ways to develop effective methods and measures for motivating older persons to participate in online communities.

Firstly, the outcomes of a literature study on the key concepts of Web 2.0 will be used to discuss the shift to user-generated content. Secondly, we will elaborate on the participation of elderly people on the World Wide Web in general and more specific on Web 2.0 platforms. In our paper we will use the quantative analysis of the member database from the Dutch project partner Seniorweb, an organisation that wants to stimulate participation and self-development of all seniors in the information society. In addition, the data of two existing online surveys of the world's largest online collaboration communities will be re-analysed. The FLOSSPOLS Developer Survey provides information on Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) developers. The general Wikipedia survey provides deep insights in usage and contribution patterns of Wikipedia. In both surveys, the share of seniors is between 4% and 5%.