Seniors and Social Media

~ by Carol Vartuli

The phrase “social media” might seem like an oxymoron.  Being ‘social’ is defined as ‘coming together in friendly companionship.’ That used to mean gathering in a common, physical space to socialize with friends, family, or acquaintances. 

Media, on the other hand, has historically been associated with impersonal, one-way communication. Baby Boomers, like their parents from the Silent Generation, got their news and information from newspapers, radio, or television.  To search for information, they visited brick-and-mortar libraries, and browsed patiently through tiny drawers in a wooden card catalog. They were well into their adult years before personal computers were invented.

 Climbing the Digital Learning Curve

The Internet became a powerful resource in the late 1990s, presenting a steep learning curve for people born generations earlier. Devices like smart phones and tablets put the power of a computer, and the reach of the Internet, into people’s palms.

Despite the challenges, seniors have embraced the digital world. Internet use among those 65 and older grew 150% between 2009 and 2011--the largest increase of any age group.  (Pew Research Center.)

According to Pew Research, 67% of adults over age 65 use the Internet and more than half of them have high-speed internet connections at home. The number of ‘connected’ seniors is increasing, especially as technology makes devices more user-friendly. Who can resist telling a digital assistant, like Siri, in plain English: “Play my favorite radio station,” or “Call my favorite grandchild?” 

Digital technology can transport seniors (or anyone) around the world, virtually. From your easy chair, you can stroll down a street in Paris, and locate that café you loved.  At the same time, technology simplifies mundane tasks, like paying the electric bill.

 Social Media … No Oxymoron

Applications like Facebook and Twitter have transformed ‘socializing’ in cyberspace, where people from any continent can interact with each other. Facebook alone has 1.66 billion daily users worldwide.

Seniors have joined the social media revolution, too: almost 70% of people over 65 have social media accounts.

Using social media has significant benefits for seniors, such as:

• Staying connected, and sharing experiences with family and friends. No matter where in the country, or world, they are, you can share news, photos, and video immediately and free. You can also reconnect with friends and colleagues you haven’t seen in 40 or 50 years, and create a virtual reunion with groups of them.
• Improving health, by reducing isolation and loneliness. For some, it becomes difficult to get out of the house to spend time with loved ones. Research shows that older adults who use social media perform better intellectually and show signs of improved health, because social media is mentally stimulating and satisfies basic social needs. (Huffington Post)
• Bridging the generation gap(s), by proving seniors also want to have fun. Social media gives the Silent Generation and the Baby Boomers a lot to talk about—from viral videos to current events. It allows grandparents to share a grandchild’s passion, even if involves rap music or TikTok videos. (Ask a grandchild to introduce you to the TikTok application.) You may discover that your adult children are less savvy about social media than you and their kids are.
• Developing new interests, because there is no end to the subjects you can delve into. If your passion is travel, gardening, opera, or politics you can find plenty of expert thoughts to explore. Discussion forums and blogs exist on every subject and you can weigh in on the conversations, or even author your own blog page.
• Staying current about local news and events through applications (apps) like Twitter. Within that app, you can search for ‘trending topics’ and be directed to articles about them. It’s a simple way to stay caught up on issues and events happening near you.

Although many seniors are happily engaged with social media, some are reluctant to approach the technology. Fortunately, there are many resources to help seniors wade into the digital pool, from classes at senior centers and public libraries, to high school students who will volunteer to get them up and running. The most important element for success is curiosity, and a willingness to have fun.  

Please note: The views and opinions expressed in the above text are for educational and entertainment purposes only. They belong solely to the author. They do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher, author's employer, or other groups and/or individuals.