AARP-backed social network looks to lure older users from Facebook

According to a survey, nearly 72 million Americans over the age of 50 use Facebook, which has developed a reputation for being the social network for older Americans. While the platform has more users under the age of 50 than over, Facebook is the sole social network for older Americans.

That is something the AARP is looking to change. Senior Planet Community is a social media network that encourages users to join pre-existing groups around shared interests, including gardening, travel, fitness, food, and technology. It feels more like a small collection of forums than a large site.

The social network was developed by an AARP affiliate, Older Adults Technology Services. OATS started out giving computer classes to older folks in New York City and has expanded its physical footprint over the years. During the pandemic, those classes moved online, and Senior Planet Community grew from that transition.

Tom Kamber, the executive director of OATS, said that it would be great if they had a million people.

Advertisement

Senior Planet Community is not commercial and focuses on the 50-plus set. There is no advertising or membership fees on the site. Unless the cost to run the site grows substantially, it won't present much of a problem. The organization is well-capitalized, with $2.3 billion in net assets and $1.7 billion in revenue, and it isn't saying how much it has put into Senior Planet Community.

When compared with Facebook, the site is bare-bones. OATS hopes to develop a mobile app. The site is mobile-friendly, and all the features are there, including groups, photo sharing, and notifications.

Senior Planet Community has a looming question about how it will handle moderation. The site encourages users to be courteous and to use their sources. The user base is small so policing it should be easy.

The moderation team keeps an eye on all the comments, posts, and updates that are added to the platform. Private messages are private so we encourage all users to report any account that could be harassing them.

Senior Planet Community has been in private alpha for a month and there is a small amount of content. Everything seems civilized so far.