Lifelong Learning
More than half of boomers are on a social network
For years social networks were thought of as the dominion of young internet users, but new research shows that is changing fast. A Princeton Survey Research Associates survey shows that the use of social networks by internet users aged 65 and above rose 150 percent in the last two years, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The survey, which analyzed more than 2,200 adult internet uses above the age of 18, found that from April 2009 to March 2011, the number of baby boomers between 50 and 64 also saw a sharp jump, from about 25 percent to 51 percent.
Although the study found that more baby boomers on Facbook, LinkedIn and MySpace, it showed that many of them have yet to make signing in a part of their daily routine. According to the publication, only 10 percent of boomers say they log in each day.
"The graying of social networking sites continues, but the oldest users are still far less likely to be making regular use of these tools," co-author of the reports Mary Madden explained, according to the AP.
Experts say there are a number of ways boomers can get the most out of social media. Specifically, LinkedIn can be especially helpful for those looking to work into retirement, and as a 2010 AARP survey showed 40 percent of them plan on doing so.
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