Facebook, which turned 18 last month, has developed something of a reputation for being the social network for older Americans. That reputation is not unearned—according to a Pew Research Center survey, nearly 72 million Americans over the age of 50 use Facebook. And while the platform still has more users under the age of 50 than over, Facebook remains many older Americans’ sole social network.
That’s something the AARP is looking to change, though. The non-profit funded the creation of Senior Planet Community, a social media network that encourages users to join pre-existing groups around shared interests, including gardening, travel, fitness, food, and technology. In that way, it feels more like a pared-down version of Reddit or a small collection of forums. Besides its focus on the 50-plus set, Senior Planet Community stands apart from Facebook in that it’s not commercial. The site has no advertising or membership fees.
Looking at the site registration, it appears to be generic requirements and no specific AARP membership required to join. It is probably these types of support networks that will lure users who are stuck on Facebook, away to something else. The only issue could be if younger family are excluded. But that said, the AARP themselves stand against age discrimination.
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