In front of the background of the demographical change and the IT-related revolution this article shows quantitative and qualitative empirical results for media use and media action of elder persons. Age and generation affiliation as well as gender, occupational status and degree of education are the most important predictors in order to foretell whether someone is acquainted with computers and the internet and whether he or she is using them privately and professionally in a competent way. In order to search for explanations, a generation-specific model of media practice cultures will be developed. Being part of a generation-specific media practice culture means approaching respective new media technologies with the implicit possibilities and boundaries gained throughout one’s youth within the scope of practical experiences concerning the prevailing current media.