London - One in six over-50s use Facebook to check out ex-partners, according to a report.
And the latest research found that about the same number - 16 percent - also upload selfies on the social media site so they can show their old partners how well they have aged.
The report says that contrary to popular opinion, social media clearly have an important role to play for us as we get older.
The study reveals that 47 percent of the over 50s believe they will use Facebook more as they grow older: they recognise that as they grow older and less physically mobile, social media will play a key role in keeping in touch with friends and family.
Martin Lock, chief executive of Silversurfers.com that carried out the research said: “We were stunned at the popularity of Facebook. Over 3,000 people completed our survey and the message is clear: Facebook is king of social media for the over-50s. They don’t rate other social media. Our research also revealed that the over-50s use Facebook to check out old flames and show off.”
About 92 percent of internet savvy over-50s use Facebook to stay in touch with friends and family and 48 percent use it to share updates and photos.
Eighty-one percent say they check Facebook more than once a day and 37 percent say that they often check what friends are up to on Facebook.
Lock added: “Being comfortable using Facebook will help older people stay connected to their families and friends and may help alleviate loneliness in later years.”
Facebook is by far the most popular social media for the over 50s - 35 percent of over 50s can't be bothered with social media apart from Facebook. Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ were low in the social media popularity stakes with only 25 percent using Google+, 19 percent Twitter and nine percent Pinterest and Instagram.
Silversurfers.com's research revealed the most popular type of Facebook posts for the over-50s are nostalgia, human interest, photo of the day and handy tips.
Daily Mail