Lark Birdsong's List: Seniors

"Social networking use among internet users ages 50 and older nearly doubled—from 22% in April 2009 to 42% in May 2010.

* Between April 2009 and May 2010, social networking use among internet users ages 50-64 grew by 88%--from 25% to 47%.
* During the same period, use among those ages 65 and older grew 100%--from 13% to 26%.
* By comparison, social networking use among users ages 18-29 grew by 13%—from 76% to 86%."

Older adults (over 50) in the United States have been adopting the new social networking tools. One in five (20%) are now using twitter, facebook or similar tool, daily.

* Between April 2009 and May 2010, social networking use among internet users ages 50-64 grew by 88%--from 25% to 47%. * During the same period, use among those ages 65 and older grew 100%--from 13% to 26%. * By comparison, social networking use among users ages 18-29 grew by 13%—from 76% to 86%.

"SeniorNet's mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom. Find out how you can become a part of SeniorNet and start enjoying the benefits of membership today!"

" Now we all have a new house with separate living quarters, and we stayed in the neighborhood where my sisters live, too. My parents were able to downsize a bit. They now have living, dining, bedroom, bath and kitchen spaces in about 800 square feet "

"Seniors increasingly read news online, use social media to stay connected

“The Pew Internet and American Life Project found that people 74 and older represent the fastest growing demographic on the sites. Sixteen percent of Internet users in that age group now visit them, compared with four percent in 2008.”

“While younger people still greatly outnumber their elders on sites like Facebook, Myspace, and LinkedIn, a new [Pew] study shows older generations have begun to catch up.”

“Older people already are large consumers of media. They’re more likely than younger folks to read a daily newspaper and watch network television newscasts. And while seniors were relatively slow to discover the Internet, they tend to use it extensively once they become comfortable with it.”

“AARP’s Facebook page has more than 20,000 followers.”"