Social Media

The Modern Way to Socialize

Back in the day, keeping up with friends and family happened through phone calls, letters, and if you were really lucky, an occasional visit. My how times have changed! These days, Social media has become the new way to nurture relationships and be part of a community.

And you know what? Seniors are getting in on this action in a big way. What may have once seemed like a young person’s game is now a major tool for older adults to connect with loved ones near and far, make new friends, and join conversations on just about any topic you can imagine. So dip your toe into the social waters with sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more!

The Benefits for Seniors

Being a social media user as a senior has all sorts of awesome advantages:

Staying Close – Share updates, stories, photos and videos with family and friends to feel more involved in their lives.

Making New Connections – Join groups and communities based around your hobbies, identities, locations and interests to meet new people.

Overcoming Isolation – For housebound or marginalized seniors, social media can help combat loneliness by providing a social outlet and community.

Pursuing Passions – If you love cooking, birdwatching, woodworking, etc. there are groups to discuss your obsessions with fellow enthusiasts.

Learning and Growth – From taking free online courses to discovering new skills and knowledge, social media expands your world.

Staying Mentally Active – All this reading, processing information, and engagement gives your brain a healthy workout!

Getting Started

The world of social media can seem intimidating for newcomers, but it’s easier than you think to get started:

Choose your platform – Facebook is a great starting point for beginners to find your groove, or go for image-sharing with Instagram or microblogging on Twitter.

Create an account – Most social sites are free and straightforward to join, though you’ll want to enable strict privacy settings.

Build your network – Start by connecting with close friends and family, then branch out by following groups and brands you’re interested in.

Post updates and content – Share photos and videos, reactions to events, advice from your wealth of experience – share your voice!

Track loved ones’ lives – Stay in the loop about activities, milestones and announcements across your network.

Take it slow and don’t be afraid to ask savvier social media users (like the grandkids maybe!) to be your guides as you explore this new way of communicating and interacting. Who knows, you might just become a social media maven yourself!