The idea that seniors are reluctant to embrace new technology, and specifically digital technology, is a myth. From smartphones and tablets to wearable devices and home safety technology, more and more older adults are discovering the widespread appeal of these technological advances.
The pandemic increased usage of social media in general, and perhaps among seniors most of all. Many who were isolating discovered it was a great way of keeping in touch with family and friends.
A March 2021 article by Brad Breeding cited data from Pew Research indicating that, as of 2019, 69% of adults age 50 to 64 and 40% of those age 65 and older used some type of social media.
According to a more recent article based on a survey AARP conducted in September 2024, 89% of those age 50 and older had engaged with social media in the previous three months.
Comparing these two articles shows what an uptick there has been in the use of social media within these age groups in just a few years.
Social Media Keeps Us Connected
Most people know that platforms such as Facebook, X (previously Twitter) and Instagram are considered social media. The term, however, actually encompasses a much broader scope.
Social media can refer to any website or app that lets users create and share information, photos, and other content or participate in social networking.
Hence, these are also considered social media:
- Media sharing networks such as YouTube and TikTok
- Communications platforms such as WhatsApp
- Discussion forums such as Reddit and Quora
- Online gaming sites and apps with a networking component
As you can see, social media provides an abundance of choices for anyone wondering how to keep in touch with people.
How Does Social Media Bring People Together?
Social media goes well beyond more traditional lines of communication such as phone calls, emails and text messages. (Yes, some social media platforms include text messaging and voice and video calls.)
What sets social media apart is the ability to share content, thoughts and more with entire groups of people (in some cases, millions!) quickly and easily.
With a little time and effort, you can find just about anything you can think of on social media. Once your search has yielded your desired results, you can connect or interact with others who view the same content (or play the same game).
Some examples:
- Sharing photos from a graduation, wedding, vacation or reunion with friends and family on Facebook.
- Getting helpful advice from a YouTube tutorial video (including what others have posted in the comments section about their own experience).
- Finding inspiration from or exploring hobbies with others who share your interests on Pinterest.
- Meeting a friend or group of friends on Discord to play a favorite game.
- Reconnecting with classmates from high school or college (numerous apps are available specifically for this purpose).
- Participate in discussions about matters that affect your local neighborhood on Nextdoor.
Safety Suggestions for Enjoying Social Media
For seniors pondering how to stay connected with friends or create a family social network, social media offers countless possibilities. Interacting with others who share the same passions, pastimes and viewpoints can be downright invigorating.
As you’re probably aware, though, there are privacy concerns when traversing through the digital world. Fortunately, you can be proactive and minimize the risks.
- Check the privacy settings on all social media platforms you use. By making your profile private, you can control who sees what you post. You also limit who can contact you via the platforms. Many, including Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, let you set up groups or contact lists that can only be accessed by approved members.
- Create strong passwords and change them frequently. Use a different password for each site or app. Experts advise using passwords with at least 12 characters that include a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Consider using a pass phrase instead of a password (for example, YisGR33Kf00dsoG00D?!) or a password manager such as NordPass that encrypts and stores your login information.
- Use 2-step verification, also known as two-factor or multifactor authentication, to add another layer of protection against unauthorized access to your accounts. With this process, you’ll be asked for another form of verification, such as a code sent by text or email, after you enter your password. The Federal Trade Commission says it’s like having two locks on your door.
- Be careful not to overshare. Don’t provide sensitive personal information such as your home address, phone number or financial information. Also, do not publicly share information about when you’ll be away from home. Talk with your family about establishing a family social media policy that sets guidelines for sharing content.
- Stay alert for potential scams. Be suspicious of friend requests from people you don’t know, requests for money (maybe in the form of a charitable donation or an investment opportunity), and unfamiliar messages in general. You can choose to block or report others who make odd requests or harass you.
Another Way To Protect Yourself: Set Time Limits
Social media can be a positive influence in your life by encouraging you to find new interests and increase or strengthen your connections with others. But engaging on social media is like watching TV — you can rack up a lot of time doing both, without realizing it.
It may also be tempting to substitute your participation on social media for other activities, including exercise and in-person social activities.
By limiting your time on social media, you’ll be more likely to maintain a balance that’s healthy for you physically and mentally.
Where Can You Learn More About Using Social Media?
If you’re new to social media or would like to improve your skills, you have lots of options for learning how to navigate the various apps and sites.
- If you’re looking for self-instruction, you’ll find a variety of tutorials about social media on YouTube. Many of the platforms themselves offer tutorials as well.
- Your local senior center, community center or community college may offer sessions or courses on social media use.
- AARP offers free virtual training sessions on different aspects of social media, and a five-week social media course at its six Senior Planet locations across the U.S.
- If you’re in a senior living community, you might find a resident-led social media group or a tech-savvy neighbor to help you. Some communities also have staff available for assistance, and at Highpoint at Stonecrest, we offer Tech Tuesdays to provide the same kind of support.
- You may find all the help you need from a friend or family member who knows their way around social media sites and apps you’re curious about.
Let’s Connect
While you’re exploring various social media platforms, be sure to look for Highpoint at Stonecrest Facebook.
If you would like to connect with us in person, we’d be delighted to show you around our community. Just fill out our brief online form to contact us or call 352-549-9210 to set up an appointment.
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