"Witterers", "emmobilisers" and "crampers" are the new Silver Surfers who have embraced social networking sites more than their bus passes, according to new research by Oddfellows. Witterers; those who use Twitter to gossip, emmobilisers; those who actively use social networking sites but safely store their cell phone and only get it out on special occasions, and Crampers; grandparents who utilise Facebook to make friends with their childrens' friends and exchange conversations just to be nosy, are just some of the expressions that over 60s are now being called.

The terms surface as research reveals that social networking sites are changing the way that over-60s are conducting their friendships. Research shows that over 71 percent are actively using Facebook and Twitter, with almost half (46 percent) visiting such sites once or more a day. Eighty-three percent use social networking sites to keep in touch with friends, if they find it difficult to meet at a public space or local club. Thirty-six percent said that they use the sites to join special interest groups, while 34 percent "witter" daily by using them purely for gossip.

Forty-one percent [those who are considered to be Silver-Surfers] actively use such sites to their advantage by sharing photos and videos, suggesting that gone are the days where we used to share our Kodak moments across the table. Furthermore, over a quarter (26 percent) use them to meet new people or are even on the look out for a new relationship (six percent).

Dawn Walters, marketing and communications manager of the Oddfellows, said: "As a 200 year old Friendly Society celebrating our anniversary this month, we commissioned research to find out how our members use the Internet in their everyday lives and have come up with these new terms."

Ms Walters described the results as "astonishing" and the Odfellows have had to offer additional services, including its own social networking site, Mouse-Mates and a holiday exchange or house swap programme.

"We've also set up Facebook pages and Twitter accounts to engage with Oddfellows across the globe and very soon we will be launching a Virtual World where members can interact with one another online."

New socio-demographics among over-60s:

• The Crampers (or singular: Captain Beaky): Grandparents who utilise Facebook to make friends with their children's friends and exchange conversations just to be nosy

• The Witterers: Those who are known to be curtain-twicherers, but are actively using Twitter to 'witter' their gossip

• The Send-TePters: Those who embrace technology but haven't quite got the hang of it: Evident spelling mistakes in their text makes this clear.

• The emmobilisers: Those who follow trends in society and attempt to use social media or technology, but store their cell phone in a safe place and only get it out on special occasions.

• Silver Surfers: Those who are actively embracing social media and the web.

For more information on the Oddfellows, which has a presence in Bermuda, visit: www.oddfellows.co.uk