More than half of U.S. adults use social networking websites, according to a recent survey conducted by Pew Internet, Bankers Life and Casualty Company reports.
According to the poll, 65 percent of adult internet users say they have frequented websites like MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, up from 61 percent when a similar survey was conducted in 2010.
While the survey looked at both young and older adults, the most significant rise in use came from those between the ages of 50 and 64. For instance, when the survey looked at the frequency with which older adults used social networking websites, usage on a typical day increased 60 percent, jumping from 20 percent to 32 percent.
"The graying of social networking sites continues," said Mary Madden, senior research specialist at Pew and co-author of the report. "While seniors are testing the waters, many Baby Boomers are beginning to make a trip to the social media pool part of their daily routine.
She added that while older Americans are increasing their usage of social media, they're still less likely to use them compared to younger Americans, or those who are between the ages of 18 and 30.
As Baby Boomers become more familiar with sites like Facebook and Twitter, they can also brush themselves up on something else that they may still need help with retirement planning. Bankers Life and Casualty Company has been helping seniors and retirees with their financial security needs since 1879, offering a wide variety of life and health insurance products geared specifically for the senior market.
