The recent figures revealed that computer users over 55 are the fastest growing group to sign up to social networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace, often using them to keep up to date with the lives of family and friends, especially grandchildren interstate and overseas.

The online community has responded by creating groups such as ''My grandma is on Facebook'', ''My granny is on Facebook and I love it'' and ''Proud Nannas, Grandmas, Pas and Grandpas on Facebook'' in recent months.

Anne-Marie Elias, of the NSW Council on the Ageing, cites that senior’s today posses far more practical understanding of the technology compared to the previous generations.

The recent data for Australia revealed that nearly one in five over the age of 55 uses Facebook to connect with their near and dear ones, with 550,000 logging in. Facebook claims to have more than 7 million users currently.

Social network strategist Laurel Papworth said Australia's take-up rate was generally about 2 to 3 per cent higher than the US for computer use.