While social media has long seemed like a thing solely for the “young folks,” seniors these days are changing that perception. The Pew Research Center reports that seniors age 65 and older are joining social media at an accelerated rate and have become the largest growing demographic of adopters (even over Gen X and Millennials). It’s estimated that by 2020, approximately 50 million seniors will be on a social media platform.

“Social media has completely changed the communication landscape,” says Heather Battey, Executive Director at Amavida, a senior living community in Fort Myers, Florida. “People of all generations and ages can now share interests, connect and communicate with just the click of a button. And while pop culture likes to poke fun at the older generation as being clueless to these new forms of communication, the truth is that seniors have seen the value of social media and are wholeheartedly embracing it.” So much so, in fact, that research shows more seniors use social media every day than read the newspaper.
 

The Benefits of Social Media for Seniors

It makes it easy to communicate. No matter where a senior may live – across the street, state, country, or world - staying in touch with friends and family members is incredibly important (as it is to all of us). Social media allows seniors to see and talk to the people they care about at any time – without having to hop in the car or fly on a plane. Skype, FaceTime, and other video chat software allow Grandma and Grandpa to see their new grandbaby, easily, without having to worry about nap time or tantrums. They can also stay in touch with what everyone is doing in real time, so they can stay in the loop. Instagram, Facebook, and other picture-sharing sites can let you scroll through (and interact with) the posted photos of all your friends and family, so you can see how your daughter is enjoying her vacation with the family.

Social media allows you to reconnect with longlost friends and family. Social media sites let us find and follow long-lost cousins, old school friends and other people you lost touch with long ago. And sometimes, it’s easier than you think to find them. For example, your high school may have a Facebook group you can join to share old photos and reminisce. Some people have put together private groups for their family members in order to share news within a cultivated circle.

Make new friends. Remember the days when getting together with someone you met on the Internet was weird and worrisome? These days, making new friends (and even love interests for some) is as common and accepted as striking up a conversation with someone you met at a local hangout. Social media is filled with groups clustered around certain interests or hobbies. Depending on how IRL (that’s “in real life”) you want to be, you can search for groups in your area that also have face-to-face meetups.

It’s a great place to get medical information. We’re not talking about googling your symptoms and seeing what you might have (which can throw even the healthiest of us into a tizzy). Instead, it can be used as a tool to seek out information on an illness or condition that a senior has been diagnosed with. Chronic health diseases like Parkinson’s, diabetes or even Alzheimer’s have a plethora of organizations and information available online. Not only can you learn about the disease as well as new treatments that might be available, but you can also connect with others who are living with similar conditions.

Connecting with others improves mental health. Surprised? While sitting in front of a computer screen might not sound inherently healthy, studies show that using social media to stay connected with friends and family helps reduce loneliness, isolation and depressive symptoms. Seniors who use social media regularly are generally healthier and perform better in cognitive tasks than their counterparts who don’t use it. Studies have also shown that social media use is mentally stimulating and satisfies basic social needs.

It helps bridge the generational gap. If you’ve ever wished you were able to be more in touch with your grandkids, social media is a great way to do that. From sharing funny cat videos to learning about the hottest new music that kids enjoy to even (gasp) having conversations with them via comments or chats, social media is one of the best ways to reach out to the younger gen on their terms.
 

How to Use Social Media Safely

Whether you’re a social media guru or just dipping your toe into the tech pool, it’s important to take steps to keep yourself safe on the Internet. Facebook and other sites have privacy protections that allow you to limit who can view and share your posts and pictures. Generally speaking, you can be as visible – or invisible – as you want, without skipping social media altogether. You also have the option to block people who follow you if you don’t trust or know them.

While the majority of people on the Internet have good intentions, there are some less-than-savory characters out there, so follow best practices. Don’t put your personal information on social media (that includes your address and phone number), and don’t share your information with anyone you don’t know or trust. Sometimes, hackers can pretend to be someone you know (for example, they may make a profile using your grandchild’s photos) in order to solicit money from friends or relatives. Be wary of any request you receive, and if in doubt, verify through another channel.

However, don’t let the thought of a few bad apples ruin your enjoyment of the whole bushel. “Social media can open up a world of possibilities to seniors, no matter their health or ability level,” says Heather.
 

Why Wait to Live Your Best Life?

With all the advantages of moving to a senior living community, why wait to enjoy them? When it’s financially possible, senior living takes away the stress and worries of retirement living and replaces them with life-enriching benefits to your health and happiness. If this is the kind of lifestyle you aspire to, don’t put it off until you’re no longer healthy enough to fully enjoy it.

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