Content creation sample: SEO blog article/social media post for seniorcarenetworks.com, March 2019.
Content brief keyword: How social media can improve seniors’ loneliness
Audience: Adult children of lonely baby boomers and seniors
Meta description: The benefits of using social media for seniors go beyond reducing loneliness into improving daily life. It’s never too late to learn how with help.
Social Media 1 (Facebook): It’s not a substitute for real life, but for seniors, social media has real benefits. It’s been shown to help reduce the loneliness that many people feel with changes in life circumstances like retiring, and for people that have a hard time getting out of the house. Community classes teaching older seniors new social media technology offer an added benefit of socializing in real time.
Social Media 2 (Twitter): Being active on social media keeps seniors connected and less lonely.
How Can Social Media Improve Seniors’ Loneliness?
The “digital divide” of internet use between older and younger people has been shrinking as the number of seniors online grows. This is partly because the over-65 demographic now includes baby boomers who grew comfortable in a digital workforce. It’s also because more seniors are effectively using social media to combat loneliness.
How Many Senior Citizens Use Social Media?
Two-thirds of seniors now use the internet, and many are able to go online wherever and whenever they want. Younger seniors lead the way in adopting technology, as do wealthier and more educated seniors — which is similar to trends in other age demographics too.
- About half of people over 65 have home broadband.
- Slightly more than half of those with a cell use a smartphone.
- A third of seniors own a tablet computer.
Social media use has grown along with this access to the internet. However, currently only a third of all seniors use social media technologies like social networks, online video/phone chat, instant messaging clients, and email.
That number is a lot less for older seniors, and seniors with disabilities are less likely to have home broadband. These groups especially could greatly benefit from improved access to social media technology.
The Benefits of Social Media for Seniors
Social interaction is important for health and longevity; feeling connected keeps us going. Studies on technology and social isolation show that online socialization isn’t a perfect substitute for real life personal interaction but is beneficial. It has notable effects against loneliness and other concerns with the convenience of online access.
Social Bonds
Today, our families and friends are often scattered across the world. While we all want to make time for in-person visiting, that doesn’t keep us involved.
- Social media provides frequent contact, keeping us active in each other’s lives from across the world as if we lived only across the road.
- Social networking especially lets us find friends and even family that we may have lost contact with over the years.
Community Engagement
Seniors with limited energy or mobility can sometimes find even their regular activities difficult, let alone exploring new ones. Retirees and seniors with other life disruptions may feel disconnected and not know how to start socializing again.
- The internet lets anyone discover new interests from home. Social networks make it possible to find new friends and communities who share those interests.
- Social media also keeps us up to date on happenings, locally and globally, so we can discuss current events knowledgeably and express our own interests.
- These new interests can sometimes lead to volunteering, a second career, and other activities that can keep lonely seniors busy or out in the community.
Personal Wellbeing
The impact of social media on senior citizens extends to mental dexterity and emotional health. Especially for seniors with limitations on interacting, feeling connected to others online can have a positive effect.
- Online connections may reduce depression and anxiety that can prevent seniors from outside socializing, and reassure them that they are not alone.
- Learning and practicing social media technologies is mentally stimulating and may even enhance focus ability.
- Social media is also a great place to follow educational sites, stretch your brain with puzzles and games, and hear about learning opportunities in your area.
Handling Social Media Concerns for Seniors
Social media technology and older adults are finding ways to work for and with each other, but the benefits aren’t without issues. Both the “social” and the “technology” parts may cause concern for some seniors.
Fear of Missing Out
While social media and elderly needs for emotional connection can make good partners, there is a downside for some: FOMO or the “fear of missing out.”
- People tend to show positive news and exciting events and mask their pains and troubles on their social networks.
- For people who cannot forget their pains and troubles, this can have a negative impact on mental health.
Therefore, seniors using social media shouldn’t just follow friends and family or popular sites. It’s important to forge connections with others with similar life experiences and circumstances, who can share reality checks.
Learning New Tools
The stimulating effects of new technology can’t be achieved when someone gets frustrated or bored with trying to learn and then abandons the project.
- Social technology is different from many other learned skills, and can be daunting; some seniors may not be able to learn on their own.
- Loved ones teaching seniors social media isn’t always helpful because they can be too comfortable with the technology to instruct beginners.
Luckily, there are a growing number of social media classes for seniors available through community organizations and outreach. These classes have the added benefit of being social and interactive.
Social Media Improves Senior Loneliness and More
Online socializing is not a substitute but an extension of real life. Like real life, there are ups and downs, and it is important to stay focused on the benefits while avoiding pitfalls. The impact of social media on loneliness, sense of purpose, and wellbeing is well worth the effort of learning these new technologies for seniors.