The Positive Impact Of Social Media For Senior Citizens

Because of a persistent illness, a handicap, or other circumstances, many seniors 65 and older are housebound. This makes it more difficult for them to interact with other people. Seniors who are confined to their homes might learn from carers how to use social media efficiently. The elderly may have better lives as a result of this involvement. Sociologists have researched the advantages of social media for seniors and discovered several advantages.

Why Seniors Become Socially Isolated

A common problem in the elderly, social isolationism typically results from one or more of these issues:

• Loneliness caused by the death of a spouse or close friend
• Depression due to a chronic medical condition
• Difficulty accepting and coping with the aging process
• Lack-of-mobility
• Feeling dissatisfied and bored after retirement
• Stress brought on by financial problems
• Moving to another town, or struggling to deal with adult children who have moved away
• Having to rely on caregivers to perform activities of daily living

A senior loved one who continues down a path of social isolation may have increasingly serious health issues, such as an increased risk of developing the dementia linked to Alzheimer's. Hence, social media can be a priceless motivational tool if it is difficult to leave the house due to physical restrictions.

Identify The Social Media For Seniors Objectives

There are numerous social media platforms available, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Helping a loved one set up an account on the right one(s) depends on whether-or-not they want to use social media for:

• Staying connected with family and friends
• Keeping up with what is new in the community
• Finding online discounts and deals from businesses
• Learning about healthcare providers and innovations
• Other hobbies/interests they might have
• Interacting with others daily or on a less-frequent basis

Once a loved one connects to one or more social networks, it is time to sit back and watch. Most importantly, it is a game-changer for their health and wellbeing. If they want to try one platform at first, Facebook is popular with seniors and accomplishes all the above goals.

The Benefits of Social Media For Seniors

Based on research, these are some of the main ways social media for seniors is beneficial:

1. Staying Connected with Family - Today’s families are more geographically spread out than ever before. As kids and grandchildren move away, social media allows them to stay connected and current in their lives. For example, photos and highlights from birthday parties, weddings, graduations, and other important events can be shared within seconds with a senior, therefore making them feel loved and appreciated.
2. Cultivating Friendships - There are many stories in the media about long-lost schoolmates or military buddies reuniting on Facebook after many years. Social media is an excellent way for seniors to cultivate new friendships built around shared interests, or share memories with old friends. And, a feature like Facetime makes the interaction all that more enjoyable!
3. Entertainment Value - Laughing at a new joke, reliving the past through clips of old TV shows and movies, playing games or reading news articles are all now possible through social media.
4. Educational Opportunities - Social media not only makes seniors aware of continuing education opportunities out in the community, but many social media sites are also committed to keeping members updated about new scientific breakthroughs, current events and the world in general. And, learning new things at any age keeps the mind sharper.
5. Inspire Civic Pride - Social media can also inspire generational movements and raise awareness about important issues. Engaging in social media actively involves seniors with these civic movements, filling them with a sense of purpose and pride.

Helping Seniors Stay Active And Engaged

It might be difficult to keep an ageing loved one engaged and active at home. But, this challenge is particularly acute when one manages a household or lives far away. If you ever require help, think about contacting Distinguished Care Services. Our carefully vetted and highly skilled professional carers are able to give seniors the social interaction they deserve because we are a CQC-regulated and licenced home care business. As a result, seniors can continue to age comfortably in place in the home of their choice.

In addition to companionship, our home care services include light housekeeping, personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation. To learn how Distinguished Care Services can help ensure the social engagement, as well as the safety of an aging, loved one, give us a call at 01255 421621 or contact us online to schedule a complimentary initial consultation with our Senior Management Team.