Being Older Does Not Mean You Can’t Be Social
Many of those in their 30′s and 40′s may think of their parents or grandparents as being a little too uncool to be involved in social networking in 2013. If you’re one of those thinking that way, think again.
As some surveys have shown in recent years, those deemed by many to be too old or interested in social media are proving many wrong.
According to a Pew Internet study from 2012, last year was forecast to be the third straight year whereby social media usage for both baby boomers and seniors would see growth among its active users.
The study noted that of older adults spending time online, half of those ages 50-64 claim to be more active in social media. A larger increase from the prior year showed that more social media users were those ages 65 and older, many of whom turn to Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for their social networking activities.
With those results in mind, just what might seniors be doing with social media when they login to the various sites?
Some of the ways seniors can utilize and benefit from engaging in social networking include:
* Family connections – With many families spread out these days, seniors can stay in touch with their kids and grandkids through sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest among others. While many senior citizens still enjoy the idea of writing letters, others have taken in recent years to getting online and sharing thoughts, photos and videos with their loved ones;
* Better health – Before the Internet, seniors typically had to rely on visits to the doctor and/or health care information from magazines and television. Now, older individuals can turn to social media sites and get links to health studies, reports and healthcare websites. In doing so, they can typically find answers to their questions and issues in just a few keystrokes;
* Safety measures – Social media sites are also good places to go for links to safer living for seniors. Given the fact that senior citizens are often targeted as crime victims, seniors can visit social media pages of their local law enforcement agencies to get tips on preventing crime before it happens. They can also talk with law enforcement personnel through sites like Facebook and Twitter to ask safety questions;
* Everyday concerns – While aches and pains happen to younger people, many seniors oftentimes find themselves moving a little slower or just plain feeling a little older as they age. By turning to different social media pages, they can find answers for common issues such as eating healthier, gray hair treatment, getting more exercise, and finding affordable health insurance rates.
No matter what senior citizens might need in today’s world, there is a very good chance that being more social can point them in the right direction.
Photo credit: umfk.edu
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