Social networking isn't only for the under 40s.

And nearly half of older adults, aged 50 to 64, say they are savvy about the Internet.

The powerful lobbying group for older Americans said Facebook is by far the most popular networking site, followed by MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter.

More than 25 percent of Americans 50 years and older stay connected using sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, according to new research.

"The latest data tells us that more and more, social networking is becoming a part of everyday life for Americans 50 plus, and boomers in particular," said Kevin Donnellan, the chief communications officer at AARP, which released the report.

Nearly a quarter of older Americans are on Facebook and 73 percent said they use it to stay in touch with relatives, but not just their children and grandchildren.

She added that older adults are also on Facebook to stay connected, not only with their family, but with their friends and peers.

"They are using the Internet to keep up with the world and the people who are important to them," said Jean Koppen, the author of the report.

Almost 50 percent of older adults were introduced to the social networking sites by a family member, mainly a child or grandchild. "Just under one-fifth of adults age 50 and older say they do not use the Internet," according to the report.