So who's hitting Facebook and other social media sites in larger and larger numbers? The Pew Research Center's Internet and America Life Project reports that 92% of those between 50 to 64 and 89% of those 65 and older send and read email. It's just a click away to other social media avenues ... and it looks like those "seniors" are making the click in ever growing numbers.
Sarah Lundy's article in the Orlando Sentinel "Seniors fast finding a home on Facebook" (and re-printed in the Stockton Record on August 30) highlights many of the reasons why seniors are finding social media a useful tool. She further reports, based on the Pew study, that with adults 50 to 64 use has jumped by 88% in the past year ... for those 65 and older it has doubled. The Center report reflects several factors causing older adults to log in: 1) It helps bridge the generation gap, 2) It reconnects to people in their past, and 3) older adults living with chronic diseases are more likely to find support groups online.
Seniors reading Facebook are less likely to comment than the younger generations. So the next time you are planning on making a racy comment in your Facebook feed - remember, lurking in the shadows might just be.... Your Grandmother!
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