Old people increase their social network presence

Ofcom research published today has revealed that old people are increasingly turning to social networking.

The media regulator today revealed that over a third (35%) of 55 to 64 year-old internet users now have a social networking profile – up by half in just one year (24% in 2011). 64% said that they use social networking sites such as Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family.

A quarter (25%) of internet users aged 65 and over also say they have a profile. The increase means that overall about two thirds (64%) of all adult internet users say they have a social networking presence, up from 59% in 2011.

Ofcom’s research also reveals that the average UK adult with a social networking account has 237 friends on their main profile, such as Facebook. Younger adults have more online connections, with the average 16-24 year-old social networker claiming 352 friends, almost three times as many as those aged over 45 (126 friends).

Social networking is also now a part of daily lives for many, as half of adults (50%) with a profile visit more than once a day, up from a third (35%) in 2011. Almost one in ten (9%) adults is an avid user, checking their profile more than ten times a day. Those aged 16-24 are the most likely to do so, with almost a fifth (17%) checking for updates more than ten times daily.

[via Ofcom press release]