Baby Boomers Connect Online to Meet Friends and Fuel Passions

Boomers Turn to Online Social Networking to Keep in Touch with Friends, Share Wisdom and Find Community

(ARA) - "Social networking" is typically considered an activity reserved only for teens and twenty-somethings. But, it's rapidly coming into vogue with a whole new generation of Internet users old enough to be their parents--and many of them probably are--baby boomers.

This generation of 78 million adults known for their spirited attitude and youthful approach to life is once again proving its willingness to buck the norm. Today, millions of boomers are turning to social networking as a better way to stay connected to their peers, and share their interests and passions. Over the past two years alone, social networking and online dating sites created just for boomers have shown enormous growth. The largest online boomer community, eons.com, has more than 700,000 members.

Unlike their younger cohorts, boomers are using social networks in ways that reflect a greater sense of maturity. The youth who originally dominated the virtual landscape using sites like Facebook and MySpace often aim to gain popularity by amassing the largest number of anonymous friends or showcasing their favorite party photos. Online social networkers in their 40s and above seek real interaction and better ways to stay connected with friends and family scattered across the country.

Additionally, they spend more time socializing in online groups and making connections with other like-minded individuals as they "graduate" to new life stages and want to explore new things. Further, whereas younger social networkers typically don't want their parents monitoring their activity or viewing their Profiles (the personalized page that expresses who you are to the community), many boomers are much more open and want to connect with their families.

It's been a long-held stereotype that boomers are technologically challenged and wouldn't want to connect with other people online. Internet entrepreneur and eons.com CEO/founder Jeff Taylor felt differently and had a vision of creating an online space just for boomers to help them discover their passions, plan their life goals and meet others through a social network. Eons.com members are having lively discussions throughout the more than 3,100 groups on the site. Some of the most popular groups include "Fun, Flirting and Sex after 50," "Bookoholics," "Hippies for Life," "Careers for Boomers" and "Growing Old is Mandatory; Growing Up is Optional."

"Boomers are telling us loud and clear that what they really want is a community that lets them stay in touch with their friends, rekindle old relationships, and create new connections with friends who share their passions and experiences," says Taylor. Celebrities, authors and even presidential candidates who want to connect with other boomers are joining in.

Geri Singley has built her eons.com network of friends from all over the country with similar interests and even conflicting ones. "I found many hours of companionship and conversation of all genres -- some open and on the message boards, others of a more personal nature where I quietly messaged other members for hours," says Singley. "It is great to know that I can find thought-provoking conversation with fellow boomers at just about any time of the day or night. It keeps the mind thinking."

The best part of online socializing for Singley is taking these relationships into the real world. She has met with friends she found on eons.com who live nearby, and plans to meet other online friends in the near future. In finding a real community of boomers online, Singley has gone from a casual member to a manager of several groups like "Cheaper Than Lipo" and "Fitness Over 50." She says, "I feel a deep responsibility towards the members of the groups I manage or moderate. Some days are very active and it's wonderful to feel needed and appreciated. It has provided me with a sense of purpose."

Along with experts, boomer celebrities and politicians are joining in on the social networking phenomenon. Actress Jane Seymour and all of the 2008 Presidential candidates have connected with their fellow boomers online through eons.com to share their life dreams and experiences.

"It may feel a little awkward at first bringing your offline friendships online and connecting to people you might never have known," says Taylor. "But once you try it you begin to understand why the kids, and you, get hooked."

Want to learn more about social networking online? Log on to www.eons.com and create your free account today.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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