Social media is now part of our everyday lives and reaches across generations. More and more seniors use social media to stay in touch with family members and for entertainment. Let’s take a look at a few of the many benefits of social media use for seniors.
It Has Surprising Physical Benefits
Seniors who actively participate in social media regularly report better moods. However, this might not be solely from increased social interaction. An American Psychological Association (APA) study found that seniors who use social media are more likely to participate in activities that lead to better health overall.
With so much information at their fingertips, many seniors take the opportunity to do research and get better educated on matters concerning their own health. This makes them more likely to engage in healthy eating, staying physically active, and finding ways to make daily activities easier and more efficient.
It Keeps the Family Connected
Facebook has become an important tool to keep families connected. It’s a great way to share family photos with loved ones. Chat functions on social media sites are also great ways to send quick messages to each other.
Social media also gives a way for family members to regularly check in with loved ones, to make sure everything is going well. At Bria Communities, the staff is very active on Facebook, and we often share updates about the activities our residents are participating in. Family members often visit our Facebook page to see what’s going on each week, and even comment on our posts. One memorable photo in particular received a comment from the child of a resident, which read, “So that’s what Dad’s been up to… he hasn’t returned my calls.” It’s a wonderful way for kids to see that their loved ones are busy having fun and being active.
Being Part of A Larger Community
Social media offers a number of online communities for seniors to be part of. It’s a great way for them to feel connected to the larger world around them. Seniors can easily connect with longtime friends via social media and even use it to make plans to meet in person.
It also allows them to find like minded people and learn more about topics they are passionate about. For example, they might find a Facebook group where they can share a craft project they’ve completed or get some advice on how to troubleshoot a tech problem.
Smart Shopping
Social media sites can also be a great way for savvy shoppers to save money. Many retailers post coupons and sale notifications on their social media channels. When seniors connect with their favorite brands and stores online, they can watch out for sales and deals to take advantage of. Of course, online shopping can be a great tool for those who can’t always get out to shop on their own.
Continuous Learning
The social media landscape is ever-changing and there’s always something new to learn. This aspect can be fun for curious seniors who want to stay up to date on the trends their families are following. This also provides a great opportunity for family members to share knowledge with their loved ones. You can share your knowledge of social media to make sure they know which scams and traps to watch out for. You can also make sure to check in regularly to make sure they aren’t unknowingly connecting with people they shouldn’t be.
At Bria Communities, we have in-house, on-call technology assistants (known as IS Champions) who give residents advice, show them how to do things in their technology, and are around to answer any questions. It’s a great way for seniors to learn on their own, while also having access to tech support when they need it.
Social media can be a great tool for seniors and opens up a whole new way to connect with friends and family. By encouraging our loved ones to get online, we can expand their worlds and ensure we stay connected.
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