If you are interested in mobilizing older Americans to support your organization as volunteers, donors, or advocates, a recent report by the Pew Research Center might interest you. Social media use is on the rise...in a BIG way.
For social networking use from April 2009 - May 2010:
- Ages 50 and older -- nearly doubled (from 22% to 42%).
- Ages 50-64 -- grew by 88% (from 25% to 47%)
- Ages 65 and older -- grew 100% (from 13% to 26%)
- By comparison, use among 18-29 year olds grew by 13% (from 76%-86%)
And, if that didn’t get your attention:
One in five (20%) age 50-64 say they use social networking sites on a typical day.
So, not only are seniors using the internet (as of December 2009 Pew says four out of ten do, likely many more now), they are also taking advantage of social media as a way to communicate and get information. So, the next time someone tells you that Facebook is a waste of time because seniors won’t use it, just smile knowingly and continue with your plans. Sooner or later they’ll see the light.
Tobi - thanks for sharing this recent report - this is good information for all of us in the SHIP world to be aware of!
Posted by: Lee | 10/29/2010 at 08:39 AM
Thanks for the feedback, Lee! The Pew Internet & American Life Project conducts numerous studies on internet and technology use. I'll be sure to share other reports of interest, and how they impact our work, as they become available.
Posted by: [email protected] | 10/29/2010 at 09:02 AM