Last week I tackled writing about some of the more negative issues related to social networking, in particular how some individual”s posts and pictures on Facebook and other social networking sites have cost them the opportunity to land a sweet job. Today, as promised, I want to dive into how social networking has exploded in growth over the past few years within the senior population and how that has benefitted millions.
Growing older means different things to different people. At 12, growing older means more freedom and mobility. At 65 and above, growing older, even though there might be the freedom of not having to punch a clock any longer, many people talk about the issues of less freedom and less mobility. This usually involves the loss of physical and mental prowess that, if we live long enough, will always deteriorate to some degree.
Joseph F. Coughlin, director of the AgeLab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology stated, “One of the greatest challenges that we face as older adults, frankly, is not about our health, but it”s actually about our social network deteriorating on us, because our friends get sick, our spouse passes away, friends pass away, or we move.” It”s a fact that nearly one-third of the people who are 75 and older live alone. While some people may enjoy living alone, most humans function better and live longer due to companionship.
Loneliness is often a cause of depression and many seniors, especially those who have lost a spouse or are immobile due to other health issues, suffer from depression. Initially, senior citizens who purchased a computer, had access to the Internet and some skills at maneuvering around that universe mostly gained benefits from their time online. But, some studies have reported that individuals displaying depression tendencies sometimes sink further into their slump by spending their online time just surfing or playing games. On the other hand, those who use their computer to relate to others actually improve their mental well-being.
According to the Nielsen Company, in 2008 Facebook was the 45th most popular website for people over the age of 65. The most recent survey shows that it has moved all the way up to number three. That is a very good sign, based on the evidence that social interaction will help senior citizens remain healthier.
At the present, Facebook is the dominant social networking site for seniors. It is utilized by 90 percent of those older than 65 who are social media users. There are some fast-growing interactive sites, though, that are particularly targeting the senior population, such as Eons and Vibrant Nation. In addition to the ability to interact with other seniors, they offer plenty of information on topics like aging well and senior healthcare issues, and also offer other senior services.
Allen Hager, president and founder of Right at Home, which provides seniors with in-home care, said, “Social media is giving seniors a voice and an outlet to communicate without limitations.”
One thing that seniors need to be wary of is the fact that they, as a group, have a target on their back that is sought by flimflams and scammers of all kinds. Due to the massive growth of seniors online and on social networking sites over the past several years, it”s a given that many of those scammers are well aware of that growth and are working real hard to become a new friend to someone they can take advantage of.
There were years when I wondered when and if the personal computer would ever becomes the beneficial tool that we were told, early on, that it would become for everyone. The Internet was certainly a bright spot and now social networking has provided a usage that spans all ages and, especially, is serving the senior population by giving them level of connectivity to the world that older adults have never known before.
Gary Dickson is the publisher of the Record-Bee. Call him at 263-5636, ext. 24. Email him at gdickson@record-bee.com.
