Over Fifties Social Networking

Over Fifties Social Networking


Social Networking Isn’t Just for Youngsters Anymore


In the last few years; the internet has seen a progressive growth in the amount of users over the age of fifty online. More and more seniors are using social networking sites that once had a majority of younger users.

Sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Foursquare, Tumblr and Instagram are reporting a higher number of users over 50 on their sites than ever before. Even Twitter, which has the lowest percentage of users over the age of fifty, has seen some recent growth in their older demographic.

There is also an increasing number of social networking sites that are specifically geared toward older people like senior dating sites, senior chat rooms and forums. The growth has been impressive, but the majority of the growth has been fairly recent.


Seniors Weren’t Always Keen on Social Networking


Up until a few short years ago; people over fifty were a generation that spent most of their time on anything but the internet.

The technology was not around through the majority of their lives so it took a while for them to grow accustomed to this new medium that everyone was using to stay connected with the world.

The technology became more and more user-friendly so older people who weren’t used to the technology could sign up on social media outlets and observe until they were comfortable to jump and give it a go.

Users fifty and older are now the fastest growing demographic online. Social media use by older people has more than tripled in the last few years. In 2014, Facebook reported that users 55 and older were the largest growth in their demographic. Recent data shows that 57% of internet users between the ages of 50 and 64 use Facebook.

Even YouTube is becoming a popular social media outlet for a growing number of older people. Believe it or not; users between the ages of 45 and 54 make up the largest demographic on YouTube. Even users 55 to 64 make up a large percentage of YouTube users.

Why is Social Networking Becoming So Popular among Seniors?


People over 50 mostly use social networking to stay in touch with family members or stay informed on news they care about. With the older demographic always increasing online, the amount of content that interests people over the age of 50 is always increasing as well.

Some popular social networking sites that are geared toward people over fifty are Olderiswiser.com and OverFiftiesFriends.com. OlderIsWiser has the words displayed proudly on their site “the social networking site for grown-ups”.

OverFiftiesFriends.com is a social networking site that also incorporates dating opportunities for seniors. Over50sForum.com and FiftyPlusForum.com are sites that are obviously designed for people over the age of fifty made clear in their name. These sites are for seniors who are looking to chat or make friends with people their age.

These are just a few senior friendly sites popping up to accommodate the always increasing presence of people over 50 in the social networking scene.

Author

  • Stephen

    Stephen is now retired. He spent 25 years in community welfare and is one of the co-founders of life over 50. He has a keen interest in everything concerning this special age group.....and makes valuable contributions to the site. In his spare time, he enjoys photography, cycling and gardening. Also a keen jazz music lover!


One thought on “Over Fifties Social Networking

  1. I wasn’t aware that the demographic of YouTube users was older, and find that interesting. For one thing, as we age, technology is aging with us. Many 50 and older have used computers and the internet for years in the workplace, and aren’t as unfamiliar with it as those who are true senior citizens. As technology improves, we’re no longer chained to desktops and laptops. Many are now using mobile applications via cell phones and tablets, which is attractive to those who are older and looking to keep in touch with others, as well as interested in connecting with new people, ideas, and products.

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