It’s hardly a surprise that the current generation of retirees is the least plugged in of any age group in the US. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, only 19 percent of Americans age 65 and older have broadband Internet connections at home. It’s fair to say that the effect of social media on current retirees is less than significant.

But stay tuned: baby boomers and those nipping at their heels, so called “third agers” – early 40s to mid 60s – are about to change this picture entirely.

According to a study by ThirdAge, this high-income, highly educated demographic is an underestimated presence in the U.S. e-commerce market. A staggering 72 percent of third-agers and boomers have broadband connections in their homes – the highest connection rate among all age groups.

Social networks have the power to change how retirees approach their lives like never before.  Just think of the potential. Retirees may move from the shadows to the forefront of just about every issue that impacts their lives.

Given their virtually unlimited time, social communities of retirees will be able to focus discussions around all of the complex issues they face. Retirement finance and health care will most certainly be at the top of their lists.

Imagine ongoing discussions regarding the pros and cons of “living benefits” in variable annuity contracts.  Chances are you can’t.  But a retiree whose assets were shielded from the last stock market tumble will have plenty to say. Or, imagine dozens of discussions on the best medical practices regarding many of the lesser known but equally serious health issues facing people in their 70s and 80s.

The era of the non-connected retiree is about to end.

Thoughts?  Let me know.

Bob