Number of Seniors Using Social Media Doubles

FullLife staff

The number of seniors using online social media has doubled in the past year, according to a recent study by the Pew Internet & American Life project (http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1711/older-adults-social-networking-facebook-twitter).

For Internet users age 50 and older, the use of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In has increased from 22% to 42% over the last 12 months, demonstrating that older users have been especially enthusiastic about embracing new networking tools. Although email continues to be the primary channel to maintain contact with friends, families and colleagues, more users now rely on social networks to help manage their daily communications -- sharing links, photos, videos, news and status updates.

Overall, 92% of those ages 50-64 and 89% of those ages 65 and older send or read email and more than half of each group exchanges email messages on a typical day.

Each site has unique features to offer.  Are you an online senior?  What sites and tools do you find most useful?

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Comments (1)

Patrick Ward
Patrick Ward
Ok, I have mastered the email thing, but twitter gives me the tweets. I worry about exposure, too much info, or access to too much info through these sites. There is spy software that once it is on your computer, it can record your key strokes. That worries me. But on the other hand, email is great! If you have a MAC or a PC., you can ichat or SKYPE. My dad has grand kids and great grand kids all over the world. He is frail, so he doesn't get out much, but with SKYPE, he can talk to a granddaughter that he most likely will never see in person. With SKYPE, he can see her and talk to her live. It isn't the same as being beside the person, but it is a damn good second best. The same works with Apple computer's ichat software built into every apple computer. This should get even easier when Apple's ipad comes out with a build in camera and mic. Who knows, maybe I will even get into tweeting, because it may end up being the best way for me to communicate with my grand children.
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