5 Web Sites Every Baby Boomer Should Know

Fern Cohen, Contributing writer

Today's baby boomers, born from 1946 to 1964, don't want to be called "senior citizens." They are more active, educated and socially conscious than any previous generation. Today's 44-to 62-year-olds need information at the click of a mouse or on their PDA. Following are five Web sites all baby boomers should know, and some honorable mentions.

Boomertowne

This social networking site for baby boomers has an extra twist: rewards. Membership is free and members can set up an e-mail address, join chats and groups and share quotes, recipes and jokes. Members earn points for every activity and for taking a daily trivia contest, playing games and even reading articles about health, finances and other relevant issues. Points are redeemable for gifts or gift cards!

Caregiver's Home Companion

This Web site addresses the needs many boomers who have take on an important role: caregiver to an elderly relative or spouse. Caregiver's Home is for the professional and non-professional caregiver. The mission is "Care for the Caregiver," and the site includes a caregiver's hotline, forum, articles about all aspects of care giving, tips, news and spiritual support. Networking with other caregivers can alleviate loneliness.

I Remember JFK

I Remember JFK is for the nostalgic boomer seeking enjoyment and comfort in remembering how it used to be; the cars, food, music and gadgets, from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. A trip to this Web site is like a stroll down memory lane with 45s, RC Cola, Nehi, Orange Crush, leisure suits, PF Flyer sneakers, hula hoops, transistor radios and Polaroid cameras.

Eons.com

Eons is a free site that has been described as "MySpace for the over-50 crowd." Most of its more than 100,000 members are in their 50s and 60s, with an equal number of men and women. The site operates like MySpace or Facebook, allowing members to create a page or profile but with a more adult attitude. Eons has dozens of online groups focused on the interests of an older crowd, such as investing, Bookaholics and Boomer Music. For boomers who still like to flirt, one of the most popular groups is Internet Dating After 50.

BoomersInt.org

Boomers International is a free social networking site for baby boomers, seniors and their families. There's lots to do on this site, including viewing postcards from the past, finding information on reunions, reading relevant news and chatting in the forum.

Honorable Mentions:

55-Alive more resources and networking

Retired Brains jobs, volunteer opportunities, educational resources

Elderhostel. educational travel

Aging hipsters blog