Social networking soars with older adults

Social media use by older Americans has soared in the last year, according to a report released Friday by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

The use of social networking sites by Internet users ages 50 to 64 grew by 88 percent over a year period ending in May. That's up from 25 percent to 47 percent.

For those ages 65 and older, social networking grew 100 percent, rising from 13 percent to 26 percent.

“Young adults continue to be the heaviest users of social media, but their growth pales in comparison with recent gains made by older users,” says Mary Madden, a Pew researcher and the author of the report.

“E-mail is still the primary way that older users maintain contact with friends, families and colleagues, but many older users now rely on social network platforms to help manage their daily communications," she added.

Read the full report here.