"The latest data tells us that more and more, social networking is becoming a part of everyday life for Americans 50+, and boomers in particular," said AARP Chief Communications Officer Kevin Donnellan.

"AARP must deliver the same reliable information and first-rate resources we always have, but in a more interactive way, when and where AARP.org users and online community members want it."

Among those over 50 who use social media websites, nearly three-quarters (73%) are connected to relatives other than children and grandchildren, three-fifths are connected to their children (62 percent), and one-third (36 percent) are connected to grandchildren.

Eighty-three percent of those over 50 have heard of the iPad, and among those familiar with the device, 11 percent plan to purchase or want one and 2 percent already have. The number are higher for baby boomers aged 50 to 64, with 86 percent reporting they have heard of the iPad and 14 percent planning or wanting to purchase one.

Additional findings include:

*Forty-nine percent of those 50 to 64, and 40 percent of all adults 50+, consider themselves extremely or very comfortable using the Internet.

*Facebook is the most popular social networking site for Americans 50+, with 23 percent of survey participants reporting they prefer it-followed by MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter, all at about 4 percent.

*Forty-seven percent of adults 50+ originally heard about social networking from a family member other than their spouse, and of those, 70 percent heard about it from a child or grandchild.
 

The new service will allow workers to search for jobs from age friendly employers. AARP members will have access to RetirementJobs.com’s job search tool. The AARP says the partnership will identify employers that have policies, practices and programs that match the employment needs of people over 50.

RetirementJobs.com’s vice president of research and chief career counselor, Bob Skladany will offer career advice on the AARP Web site via blogs and columns.

"We are committed to working closely with AARP to meet the growing career needs of people over 50," said Tim Driver, CEO of RetirementJobs.com. "There is a unique opportunity in the years ahead for our organizations to have a real impact, helping people make a life change and achieve greater overall personal satisfaction and financial security."

Fifty and over workers currently represent 28 percent of the workforce, and its estimated that by 2016 the number will increase to 33.5 percent, according to the AARP.

"Given that nearly half of AARP’s members are currently working, our new collaboration with RetirementJobs.com will add great breadth to AARP’s career site by providing our members opportunities to find job openings and transition into new jobs," said Deborah Russell, AARP’s Director of Workforce Programs.