Number Of Online Seniors Doubles In 2010

According to a recent Pew Internet & American Life Project the number of U.S. seniors on Facebook and other social media sites has nearly doubled over the past year. Email remains the most popular way for seniors to stay in touch with family and friends but they now use online platforms to share links, photos and videos as well. A full 62% of online seniors aged 65 and older turn to online channels to read their news and it jumps to 76% of those older boomer aged adults of 50-64.

This supports the Statistics Canada report 'Online activities of Canadian boomers and seniors'  that identified seniors as the fastest growing group of online users. The report concluded that nearly half (53%) of online seniors were considered to be ‘intensive users’, making use of more than simply email, and that more men than women were amongst that group.

What are seniors and boomers doing online?

• Both seniors and boomers use email and social networks to keep in touch with friends and family, and have agreed that it has helped them stay connected.


• The three most popular things done online: general web browsing, playing online games, and downloading music


• Seniors are more likely to belong to a online community (48%) compared to the boomers (40%)


• A significant portion of boomers (57%) said they prefer to research retirement options and advice online.

At Comfort Life we believe in the importance of a strong online community. We’ve just launched this new blog, “The Pulse of Comfort Life”.  Browse through the articles, and come back for new posts every week. If you'd like to share your experience, send us an email or comment on a post you’ve read.We welcome your feedback and your stories.

And don’t forget to visit the Comfort Life Community to ask a question or to answer one.

We love to hear from you!