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A common misconception about social networking sites is that young people are the only ones using them; however, a new report by eMarketer on social media adoption among different generations proves otherwise. According to the data, in 2009 nearly 47% of Baby Boomers were active on Facebook, compared to 15% in 2008.

It’s not surprising that Baby Boomers are adopting Facebook and becoming increasingly avid users given the opportunity it provides to reconnect with people from their past and even their way past. Once Boomers realize that they can find their best friend from third grade or their crush from summer camp, Facebook can become somewhat of an addiction, allowing them to indulge in nostalgic remembrances. After all, the adults we are at present are a result of the experiences we’ve had throughout our lives.

 By the time we reach middle age, we’ve made friends from different stages in our lives, and when we connect with these friends on Facebook and upload pictures, we are literally able to take a walk down memory lane and reminisce. There are even groups like “Memories of Growing up in Cleveland in the 60s and 70s” being created for the specific purpose of reconnecting with one’s roots. Using Facebook for the purpose of reconnecting makes it an incredibly rich experience. I’d venture to argue that it’s more meaningful to those of us that are middle-aged than the twenty-something’s that use it to post pictures form last weekends parties.

Even parents of some Baby Boomers are taking an interest in Facebook. They might not be logging on themselves, but through conversations with their children and younger family members they’re becoming more aware of what Facebook is and how people are using it to keep connected. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, Facebook will be a way for them to maintain connections with people and avoid the isolation that can be so common for elderly adults. For that reason, I think that the growth in Facebook use among mature adults will continue to skyrocket in the coming years.

Check out Mashable for more interesting insights on how and why Baby Boomers are adopting Facebook.