Grandma Is on Facebook — and Loving It
Social-networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter have exploded in popularity over the past couple years. Millions of people log on to them every day, often multiple times. And, interestingly, usage of such sites among adults aged 55 and older increased dramatically over the past year, from 6.4 percent in second quarter 2008 to 18.9 percent in second quarter 2009.
How are Americans of various age groups using social networking? According to Anderson Analytics, young people are the most likely group to use the entertainment-and game-driven MySpace, and young adults gravitate mostly to MySpace and Facebook. The baby boomer generation tends to use the professionally focused LinkedIn more than any other group. But somewhat surprisingly, among those seniors — dubbed the "WWII generation" by Anderson Analytics — who use social networking sites, 90 percent are using Facebook and 17 percent are using Twitter. Why the surge?
Reasons why individuals join a social network are actually similar from generation to generation. Most people simply value the opportunity to connect with friends and stay in touch. They want to have fun and open up new lines of communication with both friends and family. But many older people have unique reasons on top of the more common ones.
Researchers who specialize in aging are studying the sudden popularity of social networking among seniors, and they're seeing that such networks can provide many of the benefits of a social setting or a group of friends while being extremely easy to engage with and maintain.
One of the most challenging aspects of growing older is the deterioration of the social network that surrounds an individual. Spouses and friends get sick and pass away, and family and friends move away. A common predicament of older people is simple loneliness.
But in the 21st century, that truism is rapidly changing in the face of a more connected world. Today's seniors, in touch with modern technology, feel the urge to remain a vital part of society, to work longer, and to stay empowered in their environment. Online networks offer seniors a chance to satisfy such needs.
Family members of seniors also typically welcome the effect of online social networks, which can provide relief from the sense of isolation and depression that comes from loneliness.
Some studies suggest that online social connections might even help delay dementia and increasing longevity. Perhaps such social networks fulfill a basic, ancient need we all have to remain connected with one another. In an age when letter-writing is diminishing, social networking fills the gap of grandparents wanting to communicate with their grandkids and enjoy pictures and videos. Because keeping in touch is now as easy as a mouse click, more older Americans are becoming "wired."
Building business, one connection at a time
Of course, entrepreneurs are quick to jump on this kind of data. One such enterprising fellow developed a site called MyWay Village after helping several older family members move to retirement homes. This social networking site features easy-to-use software that lets seniors post photos, share stories and memories, and connect with others.
Social-networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter have exploded in popularity over the past couple years. Millions of people log on to them every day, often multiple times. And, interestingly, usage of such sites among adults aged 55 and older increased dramatically over the past year, from 6.4 percent in second quarter 2008 to 18.9 percent in second quarter 2009.
How are Americans of various age groups using social networking? According to Anderson Analytics, young people are the most likely group to use the entertainment-and game-driven MySpace, and young adults gravitate mostly to MySpace and Facebook. The baby boomer generation tends to use the professionally focused LinkedIn more than any other group. But somewhat surprisingly, among those seniors — dubbed the "WWII generation" by Anderson Analytics — who use social networking sites, 90 percent are using Facebook and 17 percent are using Twitter. Why the surge?
Reasons why individuals join a social network are actually similar from generation to generation. Most people simply value the opportunity to connect with friends and stay in touch. They want to have fun and open up new lines of communication with both friends and family. But many older people have unique reasons on top of the more common ones.
Researchers who specialize in aging are studying the sudden popularity of social networking among seniors, and they're seeing that such networks can provide many of the benefits of a social setting or a group of friends while being extremely easy to engage with and maintain.
One of the most challenging aspects of growing older is the deterioration of the social network that surrounds an individual. Spouses and friends get sick and pass away, and family and friends move away. A common predicament of older people is simple loneliness.
But in the 21st century, that truism is rapidly changing in the face of a more connected world. Today's seniors, in touch with modern technology, feel the urge to remain a vital part of society, to work longer, and to stay empowered in their environment. Online networks offer seniors a chance to satisfy such needs.
Family members of seniors also typically welcome the effect of online social networks, which can provide relief from the sense of isolation and depression that comes from loneliness.
Some studies suggest that online social connections might even help delay dementia and increasing longevity. Perhaps such social networks fulfill a basic, ancient need we all have to remain connected with one another. In an age when letter-writing is diminishing, social networking fills the gap of grandparents wanting to communicate with their grandkids and enjoy pictures and videos. Because keeping in touch is now as easy as a mouse click, more older Americans are becoming "wired."
Building business, one connection at a time
Of course, entrepreneurs are quick to jump on this kind of data. One such enterprising fellow developed a site called MyWay Village after helping several older family members move to retirement homes. This social networking site features easy-to-use software that lets seniors post photos, share stories and memories, and connect with others.
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