10 Benefits of Social Media Use for Seniors

Discover the Benefits of Social Media: 10 Benefits of Social Media Use for Seniors

Do you think of yourself you’re too old to be on social media? Don’t let your or anyone’s thoughts question you that- because social media is helping seniors stay more social, connected, and happier than ever before. More seniors are using social media networks every day. To stay in touch with their family members and for entertainment purposes. 

Sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Skype, and others may seem to be geared toward younger populations, elders are increasingly creating social media accounts for themselves.

In fact, social networking use among internet users ages 50 and above has nearly doubled—from 22% to 42% over the past year. Half (47%) of internet users ages 50-64 and one in four (26%) users aged 65 and older now use social networking sites, according to the recent statistics from the Pew Research Center. Facebook – which recently celebrated its 15th anniversary – remains one of the most widely used social media sites among adults in the U.S. Roughly seven-in-ten adults (69%) say they ever use the platform.

Social Media Options

Consider the following options for social media use for seniors, depending on your goals and interests.

• Facebook: This site allows users to look up and connect with friends and relatives. Keeping in touch is the main focus of Facebook.

• Twitter: Here, users can follow as many people as they would like, from news outlets to celebrities and athletes. Twitter is a great place to hone in on your place of interest and stay up-to-date on what’s going on in the world.

• Instagram: Instagram is a platform to share photos and videos. Sharing experiences and keeping up with the happenings of loved ones is the main purpose of this platform.

• Pinterest: Ideal for creative minds, Pinterest is the place to go to find recipes, design ideas, travel inspiration, DIY ideas, and more. This site allows users to connect with people they know, as well as brands, magazines, artists, and others.

• LinkedIn: Seniors who are still working, and not retired yet may be interested in LinkedIn. A site that connects professional personnel with one another for networking purposes.

• Google+: With everything from video calls and instant messaging to photo and document sharing, Google+ is a social media network from Google that combines several services in one place.

10 Benefits of Social Media Use for Seniors

There are several benefits of social media use. Here are 10 benefits of social media for seniors. 

• Physical Benefits:

Seniors who actively participate in social media have better moods. An American Psychological Association (APA) study found that seniors who use social media regularly are more likely to participate in activities that lead to better health overall. With so much information at your fingertips, many seniors take the opportunity to do research and get better educated on matters concerning their own health. 

• Keeps the Family and Friends Connected:

Facebook has become an important tool to keep families and friends connected. It’s a great way to share family pictures with loved ones. Chat functions on social media sites are also the easiest ways to send quick messages.

Social media also gives a way for family members to regularly check in with loved ones, to make sure everything is going well in their life.

• Getting local and breaking News:

Social media for seniors can be used as a great news source, besides getting information about what seniors want. You can get all the local and latest news on social media platforms. Twitter allows one to keep up with local events, YouTube broadcasts news latest and breaking news live from news channels. The important issues happening around you and the world never get past you. In that way, you’ll be always updated about current news.

• Find Entertainment:

Social media is entertaining. Whether it’s laughing at a meme, catching up with old friends, reliving the past through video clips of old shows, playing games, or reading articles, social media is a great way to laugh, learn, and share.

• Online Shopping:

Social media provides access to many opportunities regarding online shopping. Many retailers post coupons and discounts notifications on their social media channels. When seniors connect with their favorite brands and stores online, they can look out for sales and deals to take advantage. Online shopping can be a great way for those who can’t always get out to shop on their own.

• Meet New People:

Social networks allow us to meet new peoples, for both business and pleasure. By conducting online meetings seniors can plan meet-ups and networking events with people from their age and like-minded people.

• Grow your Business:

Seniors need to keep up with new programs and technologies. Especially for those who are still doing their business. Social media enables them to stay in the game and compete with their competitors. Use social media tools to connect and share, answer target audiences’ questions, promote events and sales, and much more.

• Education:

Social media can be used as a portal for information and solidarity. Whether it is relating to others with similar life and health issues or simply reading about different ailments. Social Media can be a digital support group that seniors can access as an outlet for learning.

• Bridging the Inter-Generational gap:  

Younger generations might suggest that former generations have trouble when it comes to technology, but elder generations are proving those stereotypes wrong. Social media can help you find something in common to talk about, from funny viral videos, posts to current events. Also, seniors can also find out and maybe catch up with the kinds of entertainment such as movies and music that are popular among the younger generations.    

• More accessibility:

Social media being easier to access than ever. A spike in social media use among former generations comes as no surprise nowadays. There are several ways different social media platforms can be accessed such as desktop, mobile, tab, even TV screens. Technology in these devices is becoming more and more user friendly and popular, especially for seniors.

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