Tweeting, Facebooking, Instagramming – socializing in 2020 looks a lot different than it did a few decades ago. It’s true: There’s no getting around the fact that we live in the digital age. And while many seniors find that fact overwhelming, more and more older adults are embracing social media to stay connected. Since 2012, the number of older adults using social media has skyrocketed. Today, around 68 percent of adults between the ages of 55 and 73 use social media, while around 40 percent of adults between 74 and 91 are active on social networking apps. Read on if you’re curious about the benefits of social media for seniors.
The Benefits of Social Media for Seniors
Stay Connected with Loved Ones
In today’s busy world, it can be tough to set aside quality time with friends and family. It can also be difficult to stay in touch through calling, emailing, or texting. Instead, many seniors choose to keep in touch through social media platforms that allow users to share vacation photos or major life event updates. Staying connected with loved ones through social media is fun, but it also has major health benefits. The AARP Foundation reports that about 40 percent of adults aged 65 and older experience significant loneliness, which can lead to health problems like increased blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels, depression, and decreased cognitive abilities. If you’re looking for a reason to sign up for Facebook, this is a powerful one.
Grow Your Community
Ever wanted to swap recipes with seasoned Italian chefs? Maybe you’d like to quiz fellow birdwatchers about a suspicious robin sighting. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s a social media community for you. Older adults often find themselves with more time on their hands – time they can funnel into new hobbies. Social media allows users to connect with like-minded individuals through Facebook groups, Twitter threads, and more. Even if you aren’t able to mingle in person, these connections can greatly enrich your quality of life. However, it’s important to keep in mind that online communities, while fun, can also be risky. If you’re new to social media, make sure to take precautions when talking to strangers online. That includes never giving out passwords or personal information.
Discover New Interests
If you’re not sure how to spend your golden years, social media presents a fantastic opportunity to explore new interests. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram provide endless entertainment, with the constant addition of content like video tutorials and music videos. Social media is also a great resource if you’re looking to learn more about a particular topic, with experts sharing new articles on a daily basis.
Start a New Chapter
Social media can connect you to rich new communities – which is good news if you’re looking to start a new chapter. If you’ve ever wanted to start a business, write on a freelance basis, or learn a new skill, social media is a great place to do it. Social media is also a helpful resource if you’re interested in finding a part-time job that you can do from the comfort of your home.
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It’s easy to be intimidated by the countless, ever-changing social media platforms on the internet. Still, more and more seniors are using social media to stay connected. Ultimately, the benefits of social media for seniors can have a lasting impact.
At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to shop at local farmers markets or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today.
