5 Ways that Baby Boomers Engage on Social Media
The baby boomer generation is the largest demographic in the United States with 72 million boomers in the US alone, and they represent 51% of all wealth in the U.S. They are also the fastest growing segment on social media platforms. This is because baby boomers love to stay connected and have no problem using technology to do so. They have embraced social media as a way to communicate with friends, family and even businesses.
What age range is a boomer?
Baby boomers are defined by the year of their birth – from the end of WWII (1946) until 1964.By 2029, all of the Boomer generation will be 65 years old or older.
How are boomers participating in social media?
82.3% of baby boomers are members of at least one social media site. 78% of baby boomers are Facebook users. On average, baby boomers spend 27 hours on social media per week. 84% of baby boomers say that social media is likely to improve their lives. Source: Businessdit.com
But what does this mean for your business? How can you reach them? Social media is a great way to connect with this generation and get your brand in front of them 24/7. Here are five reasons why baby boomers love social media:
1. Baby Boomers love to share more content on Social Media as an efficient way to stay in touch.
Sharing family photos and stories is quick and easy for boomers on social media platforms like Facebook. Female Baby Boomers are 26% more like to share content more thant once a day as compared to their male counterparts. And, overall, baby boomers are 19% more likely to share content than any generation.
2. Baby Boomers are more likely to take action based on what they see on social media.
Content on platforms like Facebook and YouTube provide baby boomers with educational and instructional information that they often act upon – like lifestyle issues and knowledge base content.
But, just as importantly, Baby Boomers are contributing their fairshare to the e-commerce economy. Just take a look at some of these baby boomer stats –
- 40% of Visa credit card transactions for 60-69 year old consumers take place online
- 14% of baby boomers are ordering groceries online for home delivery.
- 41% of baby boomers use digital coupons while they’re grocery shopping in stores.
- 52% of baby boomers prefer shopping online during the holiday season.
3. Social media allows baby boomers to keep up with the latest trends, fads and styles.
The social media platforms baby boomers use are often filled with content that represents the latest in popular culture. Baby Boomers are more likely to share this type of information than any other generation.
For instance, Baby boomers are becoming focused on health and sustainability. Here are some stats about these trends –
- 59% of baby boomers are willing to pay more for socially compliant, sustainable products.
- 49% of baby boomers are interested in learning more about functional foods like probiotics and vitamins.
4. Social media can help baby boomers find new interests or hobbies they enjoy.
Social media can help baby boomers find new interests or hobbies they enjoy. Prior to the Pandemic, Baby boomers planned to spend $7,800 a year on travel. Now that they’re older and less energetic than before, they may be looking for other ways to have fun and stay social.
5. Social media helps baby boomers stay educated on what’s going on in the world.
Social media helps baby boomers stay educated on what’s going on in the world—which makes them feel like they’re still connected and informed even though they may not be able to physically attend events or meet with friends as often as they once did. With these benefits and more, it’s time to get your baby boomer friends and family involved in digital life today!
How Can Your Business Benefit from these Baby Boomer Trends?
Baby boomers are certainly finding more ways to engage on social media. How companies take advantage of this increased activity can open new business opportunities.
The baby boomer generation has long been a force in American culture, and it’s no different in the world of social media. The rise of smartphones has given them access to new apps and platforms that allow them to connect with each other and share information about products, services, and events—and this is only expected to continue as more baby boomers age into retirement.
This shift has already begun to have an impact on the way businesses interact with their customers. As more baby boomers turn to digital platforms for shopping and entertainment, they’re opening themselves up to a whole new world of opportunities that are just waiting for savvy marketers to help them explore!