Social media has been around for over a decade now, and all age groups widely use it. But some people believe that older adults don’t know how to use social media, or worse yet, don’t want to learn about it because they don’t want to be asocial. This may be true for certain individuals, but on the whole, older adults are pretty savvy with social media when it comes to keeping in touch with their friends and family members and finding things to do that aren’t necessarily tied to their local area.
Here are some of the many reasons social media can benefit seniors, no matter their age or circumstances.
To Stay Connected
A recent study found that using social media as a senior can be as beneficial to your health as quitting smoking. This is because aging loved ones who use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter feel more engaged with their communities. They also tend to have better self-esteem and lower stress levels than those who are less active on social media sites. The bottom line? If you’re over 50, it’s not too late to give those kids a run for their money!
To Reconnect with Old and New Friends
Interacting with friends and family through social media can reduce loneliness. Older people tend to feel more isolated from others as they become less physically active, live farther away from old neighbors, and spend less time on activities that involve interacting with other people (such as reading newspapers or going to movies). Social media is a great way for older people to stay connected. They can use Facebook or Twitter as a platform to connect with friends and loved ones who have moved away but still want to keep in touch—and they’re also available 24/7, even when other means of communication aren’t.
Enhance Interests and Hobbies
Let’s face it: Some seniors love to stay up-to-date with current trends, while others may want to get back into an old hobby. One of the best ways to accomplish these tasks is by staying connected socially online. For example, if your grandpa once loved a certain TV show and hasn’t kept up with all of today’s modern shows, he could look at Twitter or Facebook to see what all his friends are talking about. If he doesn’t feel like participating in a conversation, no worries—he can just like or comment on something that catches his eye or answer a simple question without needing an in-depth response.
To Gain Confidence
Learning how to use social media is a great way for older adults to gain confidence and make new friends. This is especially helpful for those who might have trouble going out in public for fear of running into people they know. There’s less pressure to interact face-to-face with social media, making it easier for them to participate in the conversation without feeling self-conscious. In addition, interacting with people online builds up seniors’ confidence because it helps them continue building relationships even if they have difficulty leaving their homes.
As a Way to End Loneliness
On average, older adults are less connected to their communities and have fewer people they can reach out to for help when in need. This is especially problematic for those who live alone or in rural areas. But thanks to social media, these individuals can now connect with others around them.
