Baby Boomers Love Facebook

By Amy Sherman

Did you know that the fastest group of people registering on Facebook is baby boomer women? Don't worry, men are close behind. Boomer men users are up 138%, just a little behind women at 175%. This is according to www.insidefacebook.com. In fact, from January to July 2009, Facebook users, aged 55+, have grown from 950,000 to 5.9 million. That's an astonishing statistic.

What is it about Facebook that is attracting baby boomers to this venue? Is it the enjoyment of finding old classmates, college roommates, past lovers, etc. and seeing how they've aged and what they're doing now? Is it the thrill of rehashing old memories from high school and college and reminiscing about the "good old days?" Is it their way of reconnecting with others and developing some new relationships?

Probably that's why some boomers use Facebook, but could it also be that boomers have a chance to do professional networking and make business connections with other entrepreneurs to promote their services, products and events? The opportunity to advertise your expertise by letting your network of friends and colleagues know about a new venture is intriguing. Facebook offers boomers an interactive community of potential customers and a great chance to expand one's exposure on the Internet. In addition, users receive immediate feedback and comments, which would otherwise not be available.

Apparently, baby boomers gravitate to Facebook for all of the above reasons. Therefore, they are using these social networking sites for a personal and professional purpose. It's not just a place to vent or "share what's on your mind". It is a powerful resource for reliving the past, reinventing one's future and sharing valuable content and commentary.

There are free tele-seminars, videos from elite masters, common interest groups, polls and surveys, not to mention, a way to keep in touch with grown children, long-lost relatives and old friends.

You can spend as much or as little time as you want on these social networking sites. With friends connecting with friends and businesses sharing services, you can use all that to your advantage and access the world.

Not only does this keep you current, but it keeps you sharp, alert and it expands your horizons. Facebook is no longer only for the 20+ set, but it is a definite new trend for boomers to follow that is not going away any time soon.

About the author: Amy Sherman, LMHC is the author of Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life.

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