Benefits Of Social Media For Seniors
Social media might seem like a younger person’s game, but it has many benefits for people of all ages. Once you understand social media and how to use it, you’ll start to see why it’s worth incorporating into your life.
What Is Social Media?
Social media is a broad term describing any mobile app or website that allows users to generate content and connect with others. There are hundreds of social media outlets, but some of the most commonly used sites are Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Most social media sites are free and easy to sign up for with an email address.
Why You Should Use Social Media
On the surface, it may not seem like there’s much of a reason to join social media, but being social online can provide seniors endless benefits, such as connecting them with loved ones, helping them make new friends, teaching them new things, and providing entertainment.
Connect With Family
One of the most useful things about social media is that it allows you to connect with people who don’t live close to you. Many people have family and friends who move across cities or countries, making it more challenging to meet in person.
Before social media, those relationships could start to fade because of the lack of contact people had. Channels like Facebook and Instagram make it easier to connect with loved ones and allow you to share updates and aspects of your life in real-time, making loved ones feel more connected to you.
Build New Social Connections
Humans are social creatures. We thrive on making and maintaining social connections. When we're younger, we gain those social connections through school, clubs, and work. As we get older, making and maintaining friendships becomes more challenging as daily commitments outside the house decrease.
Social media allows you to safely connect with new people and fulfill some of your socialization needs. Social media like Facebook and LinkedIn have virtual groups that you can join based on interests, such as groups for book lovers, gardeners, or sports fans.
Learn New Things
Many individuals turn to social media to expand their knowledge. You can follow your favorite news organization on sites like Twitter and LinkedIn to stay updated on the ongoings of your community or city. You can find recipes, fashion, or home decor inspiration on sites like Pinterest. You can even learn workouts on YouTube or new hobbies on TikTok and Instagram.
Provide Entertainment
One of the most basic aspects of social media is that it provides entertainment. No matter which site you’re on, you can find videos, photos, articles, and other media that users created purely to entertain you. While you do want to monitor your time on social media, it can be a fun alternative to watching television or playing games when you’re bored.
Social Media Assistance From Visiting Angels
We understand the importance of social connections for seniors and try cultivating them through our social care program. Social care helps seniors stay connected with loved ones by helping with basic technology tools, including social media. Caregivers can help seniors download social media apps to their smartphones, log into apps, and find friends on social media. Our caregivers also ensure clients stay safe online and don’t fall victim to scams.
Contact us online if you’d like to learn more about the social care program or other at-home care services at our Cullman office. Potential clients can schedule a complimentary consultation with the Visiting Angels care team for a more detailed care plan that outlines how our services can benefit them or their loved ones.