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Around 50% of seniors aged 65 and more are using Facebook, making up around 11% of the biggest social media platform of the world. The coolest part? The numbers of people your age on these sites is rising! From your peers to the toddler next door, almost everyone knows about social media. No judgement however but…
Are you new to social media?
Truth be told, there is a first time to everything. In that case, to understand what’s the hype about social media, it sure is time for…
Getting started with social media
Before we delve into the list of popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter and so on, the first step to joining any social media platform is to create an account. Choose one platform to avoid being overwhelmed.
Here are some steps to getting started:
- Consult a tutorial /online class for opening the account.
- Have a nice profile photo ready. It could be of yourself or whatever you like.
- Add your relevant information as you see fit.
- Publish account and start following your friends and interests!
Remember the movie “The Intern” where Anne Hathaway opens a Facebook account for Robert DeNiro? It’s okay to ask a tech-savvy friend for help, in fact it could lead to some quality time and fun conversations too!
Guard your personal information
While social media is a great way to share your likes and interests and certain information with the world, be sure to adjust the privacy settings based on your preference. Regularly updating passwords and staying alert with what you post can protect you against scams and identity theft.
Stay connected: 10 best social media sites for seniors
Check out the top sites preferred by elders below:
- Facebook: Known as the “Grandfather” of social media platforms, this site has the largest number of seniors connected across the globe. You are bound to find most, if not all your firends and family already using this platform. There are limitless uses for this app: connectivity, starting online clubs, online shopping, personal blogging, becoming an influencer, running an online business and so on.
- Instagram: Now this platform is much loved for showing the “picture-perfect” aspect of your life. It is popular among elders who enjoy visual content. You can share reels(30 second informative videos) of others or interests, even record them from the sofa of your assisted living facility and boost your social media presence by connecting your Instagram account with your Facebook one!
- X/Twitter: Enjoy getting fast-paced information and sharing your thoughts on the go? Consider X, formerly known as Twitter, which is still a favorite among retirees who love to keep up with the world, exchange opinions and make their opinions heard!
- Pinterest: Scroll through content that fits your hobbies, interests and lay down the ground work as visuals for a future goal. Save your favorite content as “pin-boards” and share with your friends!
- LinkedIn: Many seniors tend to enjoy networking with ex-colleagues and potential new business associates through this platform. If you are someone who enjoys mentoring or sharing your past work experience, join the community at LinkedIn!
- Nextdoor: Join this neighborhood-focused app that allows retirees to connect with residents in their local community, share information and find support and assistance. This is particularly great for people who just moved to a new state or independent living facility.
- Goodreads: If you are a book-lover, say no more. This is the place to be, to get connected with fellow book readers of all ages, discover new books, share reviews and join reading groups and track your own reading progress.
- TikTok: Despite it being a favorite among the youth, TikTok has also gained traction among seniors who love short,catchy music, and dance challenges.
- Reddit: A community-driven platform offering a wide range of subreddits (forums) on various subjects, allowing elders to join discussions and get to know like-minded people.
- WhatsApp: This is a popular messaging app, and it allows people of all ages to stay in touch with friends and family from all over the world, through text messages, voice calls, and video calls.
What are the most used social media platforms by age?
The table below demonstrates the most used social media platforms by age group:
|
Age Group |
Top 3 Social Media Platforms |
|
18-29 years |
1. TikTok (41%) 2. Instagram (35%) 3. Snapchat (32%) |
|
30-39 years |
1. LinkedIn (34%) 2. X/Twitter (32%) 3. Instagram (30%) |
|
40-49 years |
1. LinkedIn (28%) 2. Facebook (25%) 3. X/Twitter (22%) |
|
50-59 years |
1. Facebook (31%) 2. LinkedIn (26%) 3. Pinterest (22%) |
|
60-70 years |
1. Facebook (40%) 2. LinkedIn (25%) 3. Pinterest (15%) |
|
70-80 years |
1. Facebook (45%) 2. LinkedIn (20%) 3. Pinterest (12%) |
|
80-90 years |
1. Facebook (50%) 2. LinkedIn (15%) 3. YouTube (10%) |
So in summary, the most used social media platforms tend to skew younger, with Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram being the most popular among 18-29 year olds, while older age groups tend to use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Pinterest more heavily.
The good and bad side of social media
There are benefits to being connected on social platforms such as staying updated about what your friends and family are up to, and there are certain downsides like potential cyber security threats. Here are…
6 positive benefits of social media for older adults
- Stay informed: Social media can give you the latest scoop about the world and your friends making it one of the best ways to stay informed about current events for seniors.
- Connected with your people: Even if you are someone who needs assistance with daily activities and do no not travel much or are now part of a nursing home, your loved ones are just a video call away! Not only that, you get to meet new friends and who knows? You might have a new partner for your next hiking adventure!
- Brain Stimulation: Keep your mind stimulated through online activities, games on social media and engagement with social media communities.
- Learn something new: Social media platforms like LinkedIn offer online courses for you to learn a new skill and get to know the bright minds of today.
- Entertainment: From online games to virtual tours/events, there are endless options to keep you entertained and for spending your time well.
- Leave a legacy behind: Social media allows you to share your wisdom and experiences through potos, posts or videos that can inspire the people around you and be left as beautiful memories for you and your family to look back on.
Social Media for Seniors: 5 Positive Impacts
Social media positively impacts the lives of seniors. Here are 5 ways how social media plays a positive role:
1. Mental health improvement
Social media ensures that the mental health of the elderly is taken into consideration. Social engagement makes seniors mentally be in a good place. They can also stay updated with the latest trends and news. As a result, they are away from bad habits like smoking and drinking.
Thus, social media enables seniors to interact with online communities. As a result, they are away from depression, frustration and negative thoughts. Eventually, their mental health remains top-notch.
2. Easier online shopping
Every age group loves shopping. It’s fun and challenging at the same time. And seniors are no different. But when they can’t go out much, online shopping is the best option for them.
Social media platforms enable seniors to shop their favorite products while sitting at home. Everything is just a tap away for them. And many brands offer discounts for seniors too.
3. Interaction with family and friends
One of the main issues seniors face is being away from friends and family. Unfortunately, their mental health gets affected by this too. Social media can significantly help in this aspect.
Almost every age of people is in social media today. So seniors can get connected to their children, grandkids, and other friends and their families. They can stay in touch with all these people. And they can know who’s doing what.
4. Be a part of online communities
Seniors can find many online communities suitable for them on social media. So they can be a part of the communities. And this can give them a sense of belonging.
Social media for older people is a great option to chat, make calls and share experiences. They can find like-minded people there too. As a result, seniors can become a part of the whole world even at old ages.
5. Reduction of senior isolation
Seniors living in senior care facilities can feel isolated. It is something that can also create mental health issues. They need social interaction to get out of such feelings.
Social media can help in this as well. It is a great option to connect with people of the society and interact. But they must make sure that it is not a replacement for in-personal communications.
Social Media for Seniors: 6 Key Benefits
Now we know how the virtual world can impact the lives of seniors. And these are positive impacts. So, there will be many benefits too. Here is a total of 6 benefits of social media for seniors.
1. Connect with long-distance relatives
When seniors are living in senior care facilities, their relatives may be living far. The best way to stay connected with them is through social media. You can use social media to know about their everyday lives and even talk to them.
2. Make new friends and reconnect with old ones
Facebook is an excellent platform for connecting with friends. You can find your long-lost friend on Facebook. And you can also make new friends on social media platforms.
3. Be a part of civic digital movements
Social media doesn’t only enable social interaction. Many recent and concerning civil issues have begun from social media platforms. This gives seniors an opportunity to get involved in those movements and raise their voices.
4. The educational aspects
Social media platforms can be educational too. There are many groups that share educational posts. You will also find learning videos and content on social media.
5. Starting online businesses
Online businesses have become super easy these days. You can stay home and earn money. And age is not a factor here at all. Seniors can get connected with interesting and active people and start new business ventures.
6. Unlimited entertainment
The core concept of social media is connection and entertainment. Seniors can get unlimited entertainment from social media. There are many funny contents on the platforms. You can watch and laugh for free.
5 Key Challenges of Social Media for Seniors
While social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, there are also some challenges that seniors face when using these platforms. Below, we’ll take a look at five of the key challenges of social media for seniors.
1. Difficulty Navigating Social Media Platforms
One of the biggest challenges that seniors face when using social media is simply navigating the various platforms. With so many different options available, it can be tough to know where to start. Additionally, each platform has its own set of features and functions that can be confusing to understand. Besides, for seniors who are not familiar with computers or the internet, learning how to use social media sites can be daunting. If you’re a senior who is looking to get started on social media, our best advice is to start with one platform and master it before moving on to others.
2. Social media can be time-consuming
Another challenge of social media for seniors is that it can take up a lot of time. For many seniors, social media is a way to stay connected with family and friends who live far away. However, spending too much time on social media can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. It’s important to find a balance between staying connected online and enjoying offline activities.
3. Social media can be addicting
For some people, social media can be addicting. If you find yourself spending more time than you’d like on social media sites, it might be helpful to set limits on how much time you allow yourself to spend on these platforms each day. There are also a number of apps and software programs that can help you limit your screen time.
4. Social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and scams
Unfortunately, social media platforms can also be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and different online scams. If you find yourself the victim of cyberbullying or witness someone else being bullied online, it’s important to report this behavior to the site administrators or block the person or group responsible for the bullying.
5. Social media can be a source of fake news and misinformation
Another key challenge of social media is that it can be a source of fake news and misinformation. With so much false information circulating online, it’s important to be critical of the sources you’re getting your information from. If you’re unsure about the accuracy of something you see on social media, check out other news sources or fact-checking websites before sharing it with others.
Tips for Seniors Getting Started with Social Media
- Start small – focus on learning one platform at a time (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
- Ask family members or tech-savvy friends for help setting up accounts and learning the basics
- Attend local workshops or classes on social media for seniors
- Begin by following accounts and pages that interest you (hobbies, local community, family/friends)
- Start slowly with posting – share photos, comment on others’ posts, join relevant groups
- Familiarize yourself with privacy and security settings to feel more comfortable
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and troubleshoot issues as they arise
Social Media Etiquette and Best Practices for Seniors
- Be mindful of over-sharing personal information or details about family/friends
- Avoid falling for scams, fake news, or malicious content – verify information
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with online connections
- Engage respectfully and avoid inflammatory, rude, or controversial posts
- Protect your privacy by reviewing and adjusting account settings
- Respond thoughtfully to others and avoid knee-jerk reactions
- Take breaks from social media to avoid feeling overwhelmed
5 challenges of social media for elderly people
- Cybersecurity concerns and threats: It is important to make sure your privacy settings are up to par. While using purchasing online through any of these social platforms protect your credit card and other financial information. It is best to stay on guard about potential scams and phishing attempts.
- Time Consumption: The pitfall of passing time on social media to cut back on the boredom is that you might start forgetting your necessary offline activities. Remember to keep a balance between the virtual world and the real world.
- Switching between Platforms: The diversity of options can be overwhelming. Best to start small with one platform and gradually start using others.
- Misleading information: Social platforms are also notorious for being a source of fake news. Before getting stunned by the next viral news, be sure to verify information from reliable sources before sharing to prevent hurting the community.
Conclusion
It’s no secret that social media has taken the world by storm. In recent years, social media usage has exploded, with seniors being one of the fastest-growing groups of users. It can bring them a lot of enjoyment and mental satisfaction, plus they can connect with people worldwide.
Though there are also a number of challenges that come with using these platforms, with some rules and safety measures, seniors can make the most out of their social media experience.
Keep an eye on our website to know about internet for seniors to use social media.
FAQs
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Does a social media manager work with senior staff?
Yes, a social media manager may work with senior staff to develop marketing and communication plans that include social media.
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How can a senior citizen make money with social media?
There are a few ways that seniors can make money with social media. One way is to create a blog or YouTube channel and sell advertising space. Another way is to use social media to promote products or services that they offer. For example, a senior citizen could use Facebook to run a special promotion for their home-based bakery business. Seniors can also use social media to find work-from-home opportunities.
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How can senior living stand out on social media?
- One way that senior living can stand out on social media is by creating unique, engaging content that speaks to their target audience. This could include posts about the benefits of living in a seniors’ community, funny stories or anecdotes from residents, or tips for staying healthy and active.
- Another way to stand out on social media is by using creative visuals. This could include eye-catching graphics, videos of residents doing activities, or photos of the community itself.
- Finally, it’s important to be active on social media and respond to comments and questions from followers. This not only helps to build relationships with potential residents, but also shows that you’re engaged with your audience and care about their feedback.
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How to teach social media to seniors?
There are a few different ways to teach social media to seniors:
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- Start with the basics and explain how it works
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- Explain the benefits of using social media
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- Show them how to use different platforms
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- Encourage them to ask questions
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- Be patient
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How senior citizens interact on social media?
Senior citizens have embraced social media in a big way. They use it to stay connected with friends and family, and to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events. Many seniors are active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They often post about their hobbies, travels, and favorite recipes. They also use social media to stay informed about healthcare issues and other important topics.
