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While learning how to use social media can feel a bit overwhelming, it can actually help seniors stay happy and healthy. We have put together a few reasons on social media use by seniors and some good apps to try out first!
Seniors Should Use Social Media For…
Connecting With Loved Ones
The only way to connect with friends and family across the country used to be postcards and the occasional phone call. Now, everybody is on Facebook. And social care programs can and should take advantage.
It only takes a few minutes to sign up and all you have to do is search for your loved ones and you can connect with them on the website. It is the perfect way to follow your kids and grandchildren. Plus, you can easily reach out to them!
Staying in Touch With Friends
It can be difficult to see your friends every day and it can be easy to go a few days without talking to other folks. One study shows that 81% of seniors who use the internet interact with friends on a daily basis, compared to only 63% of seniors who do not use the internet.
Using your phone for texting and FaceTime is a convenient and simple way to stay in touch. With texts you can send a message from your phone to theirs and they can message you right back. If you prefer talking to typing, you can use the FaceTime app on your iPhone or computer to have a video phone call.
This is a great way to check-in with your friends and family on a daily basis.
Saving Money
Another great part about social media is the coupons. Businesses have stopped printing discounts in the newspaper. Instead they post coupons as advertisements on Facebook, Instagram, and other websites.
By using social media more often, they will start showing you coupons you might be more interested in. It is a great way to save some extra money, and that’s a plus for everyone.
Reading
One study found that 79% of seniors who use the internet feel they would miss out on valuable information without it. You can read anything on the internet. Google News is a great app and website for catching up on the latest news stories both locally and abroad.
Most papers and magazines, such as The New Yorker and People, have their own apps where you can view all their content in one place online. As well, with an eBook app or an eReader, such as a Kindle, you can read all of your favorite books on your internet device too!
Entertainment
Finally, the internet is great for staying entertained! There are great apps and websites for finding your favorite classic films and music or to discover something new.
Netflix lets you choose from thousands of movies that you can stream right from your computer.
Spotify and Pandora let you listen to your favorite songs and performing artists.
With YouTube, you can find videos of just about everything, from DIY tutorials to cooking advice to cute cat videos.
Be careful though, there is some weird stuff out there. In addition, you can play a game of Scrabble with a pal on the Words with Friends app. Social media and the internet provide countless ways to keep you entertained on a boring afternoon.
| Since 1998, Visiting Angels has been providing in-home elder care services to families across the United States and is committed to helping loved ones continue to live at home. |
Source
http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/04/03/attitudes-impacts-and-barriers-to-adoption/