Older adults and internet use

BY KATHRYN ZICKUHR AND MARY MADDEN

For the first time, half of adults ages 65 and older are online

As of April 2012, 53% of American adults ages 65 and older use the internet or email. Though these adults are still less likely than all other age groups to use the internet, the latest data represent the first time that half of seniors are going online. After several years of very little growth among this group, these gains are significant.

Overall, 82% of all American adults ages 18 and older say they use the internet or email at least occasionally, and 67% do so on a typical day.

http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/06/06/older-adults-and-internet-use/

Image uwf.edu

The Benefits of Facebook and Social Media for Senior Citizens

Seniors, ages 62 and older, are now the fastest growing demographic on Facebook!  Social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, have wonderful benefits for all of those connected, but it can be especially helpful for older adults. Today’s senior living options are varied, some prefer to stay home with care giving services, while others embrace the sense of community and camaraderie of an independent living community.  An older, more compromised senior may need the care and assistance of assisted living.   Whatever the circumstances, Facebook allows seniors to stay connected with friends and families no matter where they are! 

Many senior living communities have their own Facebook page where family members can regularly check in and see their mom, dad, or loved one dancing, attending an outing, or simply engaging with other friends at a happy hour.  It’s a great comfort to the adult children to see their parents having fun, meeting friends, and living out their golden years with the dignity they deserve while at work, a soccer match, or wherever they are on their smart phone.   Seniors also have fun looking at their pictures with the friends they live with and sharing laughs over funny photos.  Many independent senior living communities teach Facebook classes or have an Activity Director who will help them navigate the website.  Learning new fandangled things and staying current is what keeps our older adults young at heart and engaged. Listed below is a list of the wonderful benefits of Facebook and social media for the older generations. 

• Keep in touch.  Nowadays, social media is a remarkable tool for keeping in touch with adult children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.  Seniors are finding long lost childhood friends, their old college roommates, or keeping in touch with family and friends that are separated by miles.  It gives them an excellent opportunity to view photos, videos, or chat online and stay connected.  

http://www.raystoneseniors.com/blog/benefits-facebook-and-social-media-senior-citizens