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It’s getting harder for young people to hide from their parents on social media. Many business people – including marketers – are under the mistaken assumption that social media (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc) is only populated by teens and 20-somethings. But, the reality is that Baby Boomers are moving online where only the young and restless previously feared to tread.

According to a Forrester report that looked at the European market, 47% of younger boomers (ages 43-52) and 41% of older boomers (ages 53-63) now interact with social media on a regular basis. So kids that lie awake nights afraid their parents will “friend” or “follow” them are certainly justified in their concern.

Now that email has familiarized all generations with the benefits and ease of web communication, and Web 2.0 social tools have made things easier, Boomers and the Gen X generations are embracing social media to listen, share, communicate, participate, and of course, snoop.

According to Facebook’s own statistics, during the last six months their 35-54 year-old demographic segment grew by 276.4% and is doubling about every two months. Incoming!!! In addition their 55+ age segment grew 194.3% during the last six-month period.

There are similar eye-opening statistics with Twitter (now 32 million strong). Based on this Quantcast report from last month, 54% of Twitter users are now ages 35+.

The implications are apparent – social media is heading mainstream, and marketers would be best to take note. Younger generations may have led the way into this new frontier, but now older generations are colonizing social media and helping to ensure its continued growth.