Social networking for the over-50s

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is starting a scheme to encourage the older generation to make their views known to the government.

Part of the Generation Xperience campaign, the initiative aims to take advantage of the fact that one in six 50- to 64-year-olds claim to be familiar with instant messaging, chatrooms and social-networking sites.

A blog has been set up on the WordPress blogging service where you can contribute to discussions about issues of the day and will be updated and monitored by DWP representatives.

Pensions Minister Mike O’Brien said: "There are 20 million people over the age of 50 in the UK who have helped build a prosperous economy, a strong society and a better country. It is crucial their views must be taken into consideration."

"With this pilot scheme, we’re using a method of communication that is becoming increasingly commonplace for this age group. As many of the popular social-networking sites are oriented towards young internet users, this is an effective way of talking to and listening to older people in the UK and has great potential to reduce isolation and promote digital inclusion," O'Brien continued.

The DWP said that it planned to link the site to existing social networks such as MySpace and Facebook in the near future.

www.generationxperience.wordpress.com
www.direct.gov.uk/generationxperience

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