60 goals for the over 60, Social Networking for Elders

The popularity of the Internet among older people has driven this project to get people over 50 to participate in social matters that matters most to them. Over half of all over 50s have access to the Internet, in UK and rising to three quarters (76 per cent) of 50-64 year olds. Nearly one in six of those in the 50-64 age bracket have conquered Instant Messaging, social networking sites and Internet chat rooms (15 per cent), while emailing is becoming the norm (37 per cent). More than half (56 per cent) of respondents say they have set themselves the goal of 'learning computer skills' as they approach later life.
The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a social networking site, generationXperience. It is set up to give, over 50 the chance to talk to government representatives about the things they care about. The site will start a new topic each week and invite your thoughts. Subjects that might get covered cover are:

• The Internet and You!
• 60 goals for the over 60
• You and GenerationXperience

The site will also have links to other popular Social Networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

But keeping to true nature of social networking, If there are topics you’d like to see covered, then you can suggest them by responding to the Welcome post. As well as taking part in discussions with the site.

Participants can check out happenings in their vicinity for;

• Community Heroes Awards
• Music, Dance and Art events
• Celebrity Appearances
• Friendly Cities Initiative

To find out more about events in your area, visit the GenerationXperience page on the DirectGov website.

Tags: GenerationXperience, Social Networking, Department for Work and Pensions, DWP, Myspace, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, directgov