Forget Facebook and MySpace - a new social phenomenon is sweeping the internet.

According to a survey by Lifestyle60.com - a website for silver surfers - it is the over 60s who are making waves and becoming the fastest-growing group of internet users in the UK.

Lifestyle60.com, which provides online social networking for the UK's over 60s, found that over 64 per cent of almost 800 Brits questioned in the survey are interested in joining an online networking community.

And it seems that ladies are leading the way. The survey also revealed that 72 per cent of those interested in using online networking are women.

A report showed that UK internet users aged 55 plus are set to overtake 35-44 year olds as the age group with the largest representation on the web. And, according to research, the over 65s now spend more time online than any other age group.

Ben Wright, founder of Lifestyle60.com, said: "Britain's pensioners are embracing the internet and, just like their younger counterparts, they want to use it to voice their opinions and meet new friends.

"In the past, online networking services have targeted a much younger audience, alienating older surfers.

"Lifestyle60.com marks a change, as the site caters purely for retirees and the over-60s, who are less interested in gimmicks and keener to meet a companion or have a good debate.

"Far from being the stereotyped technophobe, today's over 60s are proving to be a formidable force. This generation shaped our country enormously, pushing boundaries and making waves in fashion, sport, music and culture.

"British pensioners have not lost that fight, drive or passion, and they now have a platform that allows them to have a voice.

"They can chat, debate, express themselves freely and meet up with like-minded people."

10:21am Wednesday 5th March 2008

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