Nowadays, more and more adults 65 and older are using the
internet. The number has increased by 6 million over the last five
years. From printing maps and playing with photos to checking their
email and the weather, older adults are increasingly becoming
self-sufficient internet users. What we probably didn't expect to
find is the number of adults 55 and older using Facebook grew by
over 900 percent in the past year according to the numbers provided
by Facebook's Social Ads Platform.
This sounded quite preposterous to me at first until I took a
quick survey of my Facebook friends only to find a collection of
friends consisting of my parents, aunts, uncles and several retired
teachers all 55 and older. I didn't see my 82 year old grandmother
in there, but I guess Facebook isn't making up those figures after
all. If you think about it, the concept really makes perfect sense.
Who wouldn't want to stay connected to family and friends? And with
the ever-changing technology in our culture, internet usage has
become increasingly more accessible.
I started researching articles and quickly found stories of 75
year old men and women using Facebook to shuffle through pictures
of children and grandchildren and reconnecting with friends from
church or past jobs. Stories of retirement communities being
outfitted with wireless technology to benefit its residents and
computer clubs in nursing homes teaching seniors how to access the
internet as well as how to set up Facebook accounts were
particularly fascinating to read. I even found a step by step
article on How to Teach Facebook to Seniors.
http://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Facebook-to-Seniors
As well as a videos explaining the common terms Facebook uses
and how to navigate the platform.
http://www.videojug.com/film/facebook-for-seniors-and-baby-boomers-your-profile-wall
Besides reconnecting, Facebook is a great way to streamline
internet usage, especially for those that are new or intimidated by
the internet. It's a one stop shop for email, chatting, news,
videos, and photos. More importantly, Facebook is about building
and managing an online persona as a means to interact with others.
For that reason, Facebook can create a very exciting
social situation that is stimulating to those newly retired
or looking for new social outlets.
Put away the misconceived notions about older adults and
technology. Be determined to learn something new and start
mastering it or help those around you understand it better. It just
might open a world of new doors and possibilities.
Carrie Robertson
Research & Community Education
Chicago Skilled Nursing
Chicago Senior
Living