Twitter is the key to helping them stay connected to the world while orbiting Earth some 210 miles in space, said U. S. astronauts Jeff Williams and T. D. Creamer.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Williams, 52, and Creamer, 50, told in a satellite interview from the International Space Station astronauts use the social networking and microblogging service, even in their "advanced years," to ease the feeling of isolation.

Their age was not a disadvantage but rather translated into seasoning and experience that space agencies valued, the astronauts further said.

Creamer joked," Today's 50s is like yesterday's 40s or 30s."

The astronauts also praised the aging space shuttle program, which was responsible for carrying many astronauts to the space station and whose fleet is to be retired from service this year after 134 launches.

The shuttle which is the first orbital spacecraft designed to be reused was called "a beautiful machine, a magnificent machine" by Williams. (With Input from Agencies)