In today’s digital age, there’s no escaping the internet and social media. According to Backlinko, around 5.7 billion people worldwide use social media. That’s nearly double from the 2.07 billion social media users in 2015.
Despite people’s feelings about the prevalence of social media in our daily lives, you can’t deny that these platforms allow us to connect with others, from former classmates to family members. Social media platforms enable you to stay up to date on what’s going on in your loved one’s life. Social media for seniors is a great way for elderly adults to keep in touch with their friends and family.
This blog will discuss how engaging seniors in social media can help them stay connected to those in their lives. We’ll also go over social media tips for older adults, including advice on how to stay safe on the internet.
The Rise of Social Media for Seniors
Many people think that social media platforms are used by younger generations, but that’s not always the case. According to AARP, around 43% of adults over 50 use social media each day.
Certain social media platforms that are more popular among older adults include:
- YouTube
The invention of smartphones has made it easier for seniors to stay connected on social media platforms. Many elderly individuals use their mobile devices to video chat with their loved ones.
Factors Contributing to Social Media Platforms for Seniors
Several elements have factored into seniors becoming more active on social media. For example, many seniors headed to social media during the pandemic to combat loneliness.
Access to Information and Resources
Seniors utilize social media platforms to access important info. Some of the resources they can take advantage of with social media platforms include:
- Support groups
- Health-related topics
- Current events
Easy-to-Use
One of the great things about social media platforms and smartphones, in general, is that they’re accessible for the elderly to use. Many smartphones are simple to navigate and you can make the font size bigger and easier to read.
The Importance of Stay Connected for Seniors
Staying connected and having social relationships are important for seniors for a variety of reasons. These connections can protect against some of the following negative feelings:
- Loneliness
- Sadness
- Isolation
Older adults can stay tapped into their network of support through social activities and meaningful interactions. Discovering new social outlets and embracing technology will allow them to widen their social circles while staying connected with those they love.
Choose the Right Platform
Finding the right platform that’s easy for seniors to use is the first step. As we mentioned earlier, there are a few platforms that are user-friendly for elderly adults.
Facebook is a great choice for staying in touch with friends and family. Other ways seniors can take advantage of this platform include:
- Joining in community discussions
- Participation in groups focused on their hobbies and interests
Instagram is another option for seniors who enjoy looking at pictures and videos. They can also share their moments.
One thing to consider is what platforms the people you want to connect with are on. You don’t want to spend a ton of time and effort learning how to use Instagram only to learn that your loved ones are mostly on Facebook.
Create an Account
Seniors will need a registered account to use different social media platforms. You’ll typically need a mobile phone number or an email address to create an account. Make sure you pick a strong password to secure your account.
Once you’ve created your profile, add a profile picture and include some details about yourself. Connect with your loved ones by searching for their profiles and sending them a friend request.
Keep Yourself Safe
Online safety for seniors is one of the most important things to keep in mind when going on the internet. According to Comparitech, seniors lose around $3 billion each year to financial scams on the internet. Whether you’re creating an account for yourself or a senior in your life, it’s important to turn on your privacy settings and set strong passwords.
You also need to learn how to recognize suspicious messages. Scammers use advanced tools and sophisticated psychological tactics to target victims. They often befriend people, gaining their trust before they try to scam them.
The best way to keep yourself safe from scammers on the internet is to not talk to anyone you don’t know. You should also question any unusual messages you receive from people you may recognize. Scammers often create fake profiles to message seniors and pose as people in their friend lists.
Tips for Engaging With Loved Ones on Social Media
As a senior, there are a few things to remember when interacting with your loved ones on social media. Unfortunately, many younger people may fear that their grandparents or another older family member may say something online that’ll embarrass them. Our grandkids and kids are often as self-conscious online as they are in person.
Think through what you want to post or share about your loved ones on social media. If you’re feeling unsure about what you want to say, maybe avoid doing it.
Another thing to remember is to not include any identifying information about yourself or anyone in your posts on social media. This includes some of the following details:
- School name
- Full name
- Name of their teacher
- Address
- Sports team name
- Location of sporting events
Stay Connected to Your Loved Ones With Social Media for Seniors
While online interactions don’t replace the importance of in-person ones, social media for seniors can enhance your relationships. Following each other on social media and interacting with your loved one’s posts will help you stay up to date on what’s going on in their lives. Safely using social media for seniors can help them share experiences and enhance their emotional well-being.
At Morada Southridge, we understand the importance of connection through technology for our residents. That’s why we emphasize the importance of digital literacy for seniors when working with our residents. Contact our office to schedule a tour of our community in Oklahoma City, OK.
