Social Networking and Seniors
by Hewie Poplock
“Hewie’s News & Reviews” (www.hewie.net)
There is a new report that shows that Internet users 50+ have nearly doubled in just the past year, from 22% to 42% in 2010. The survey goes on to say that almost half of Internet users 50-64 and about 26% users age 65 and older now use social networking sites.
While email and online news are still more appealing to older users, these people are now using the social sites and are repeat users, at that. The report goes on to say it shows that one attraction to seniors and others as well, is reconnecting with people from their past. It also states that older adults are more likely to be living with a chronic disease and are more likely to seek out online support with others afflicted or with medical professionals.
I am in the "older adults" category, as are many of my friends. Although I am more technically savvy than most, I am still seeing many people from my past and present in my age group using Facebook. I also must say that I have many friends who resist this new social stuff.
I am amazed that many of my friends, who have resisted a lot of the Internet hoopla and used AOL for many years because it was easy, are using Facebook and doing so daily. Some are very passive and are mostly lurkers. Others have immersed themselves in social networking and have renewed friendships and have become closer friends to many that they only occasionally see in person.
I have never played any of the games on Facebook and "hide" the references to Farmville, Mafia Wars, and such. I don't post that I went to a movie or had stopped at McDonalds on the way home, but do not mind when my "friends" do. I do enjoy seeing pictures from my friends, hearing that my real estate sales friend sold a home, hearing that another friend found a job, or a friend's daughter finished a charity race.
Each of us has our own interests and it is fun sharing them with your friends. I enjoy seeing what others do and what they are interested in. I can see what others in my age bracket find fun and interesting when using social networking. Being the careful and responsible computer person that I am, I always watch what I say and post to protect my information and the information of others. I also advise others to use the privacy settings that they are comfortable with and not to post anything that they do not want the whole world to see.
The report also says that social media bridges generational gaps. I totally agree. I see that grandparents and the rest of the family keep in touch, but all need to remember that what you share with your peers may not be items that you want to share with your family, your bosses, or your ex.
Various organizations that work with older adults, such as AARP, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Project GOAL, have been actively promoting social media resources that are relevant to mature users.