Home » Socializing
Tag:

Socializing

Aging

Benefit of Social Media for Seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The fastest-growing demographic on Facebook, seniors are flocking to social media like never before. And it’s not just Facebook that’s seeing an influx of the older generation. More and more over-65’s are also joining Instagram and Twitter.

Not only do people use social media to catch up with family and friends, and share their lives with people they don’t necessarily see every day, but it’s also increasingly becoming how people view and keep up with news and current affairs. The same goes for the senior demographic.

Seniors on social in numbers

In Australia, 89% of online consumers use social media. This is up from 79% in 2017. While not the largest group on social media platforms, seniors are still signing up in hoards. Of the above number, 30% of people aged between 50 and 64, and 24% of people over the age of 65 access social media sites at least once a day.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the population is now sitting above 25 million people. And according to the Yellow Social Media Report, there are 15 million Australians using the platform. That’s 60% of the Australian population.

While the majority of those users are between the ages of 25 and 55, the 55-plus age group still represents a decent 2.8 million users, with 4 in 5 of those surveyed by Australian Seniors reporting that they use social media platforms.

The benefits of using social media

Various studies have shown that the internet, and indeed, social media, has become an important tool in reducing isolation, loneliness, and depressive symptoms in those who use it, including seniors. If that’s not a large enough benefit, here are some others.

Keep in touch

Social media is a wonderful way to keep in touch with people around the world. Whether it’s sharing pictures, sharing stories or sharing news, millions of people log on to social media platforms every day just to see what’s going on in their network of family, friends and even acquaintances. For seniors, it’s also a great way to find people they may have lost touch with over the years and to keep in touch with their grandchildren. Social media really has revolutionized the way people connect.

Stay up to date

For many social media users, it’s not just about staying in touch with family and friends, it’s also about staying in touch with global news and current events. Today’s generation of seniors follows news sites, sports teams and even people of interests on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. For many around the world, regardless of age, social media is where we get our news and often, it’s where news breaks the fastest.

Interaction and entertainment

There’s something delightfully charming about all of those cat videos and why should the grandparents of the world miss out? Whether it’s following an entertainer they love on social media or watching clips from comedians, anyone can be entertained on social media. Plus, there are communities out there based on absolutely anything. Love to bake? Find a baking group and join in on the conversation–they’re happening on Facebook and Twitter.

Be wary

There’s no denying that the benefits of social media far outweigh the benefits of not being on there. Even if it’s just creating an account on Instagram to follow the people you care about, you’re still engaging with those around you. Just remember to never overshare information, especially personal details, always ask before you post a picture of someone, invite and accept friend requests wisely and try to avoid courting controversial topics.

Luke Fitzpatrick

Luke Fitzpatrick is a Forbes contributor and a guest lecturer at Sydney University—in his past, he worked for startups in both South Korea and Australia.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Aging

Making Friends Later in Life

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Having friends makes life a lot more fun, enjoyable, and easier to deal with challenges. But as one grows older, research shows it’s harder to hang on to established connections and companions because we retire and leave the workforce. And a big part of our relationships develops with people on the job. Making Friends Later in Life
When retired, seniors enjoy their free time and travel more, taking time away from developing new relationships. Some seniors move to another city, perhaps be closer to their children and grandchildren. When doing so, the move puts an end to establish long-term friendships and acquaintances. That’s the hardest decision, to leave behind old friends or get close to the grandkids? Making Friends Later in Life
During our younger years, we think friendships for granted and don’t think too much about shedding close relationships in exchange for a romantic partnership. And even more are lost when offspring arrive, which puts new demands on one’s resources like time and energy. Every person is guilty of spending all of their time with their immediate family. It’s normal.

But when a person becomes older, it’s necessary to have close ties with nearby friends, it not only feels good but it’s good for you. Research by American and Canadian scientists have found that having a wide variety of friends decreases the risks of heart disease and stroke. Plus having more friends encourage you to participate in health-related activities and behaviors like consuming fruits and vegetables, staying fit, and quitting bad behaviors like smoking.

In a Facebook group for seniors aging alone without the support of nearby loved ones claim that having friends close by gives them a sense of security knowing they can call someone for help. But some have trouble meeting new friends because they are immobile, live in the country, or have difficulty driving. What we all know is that making new friends isn’t like it was when we were younger. Making Friends Later in Life
So what can older adults do to make new friends and revitalize their social connections? Making Friends Later in Life
I think it’s important to know that there are many older individuals like you who are in the same boat. So, feel reassured that you are not alone. Secondly, try hard not feel embarrassed or ashamed that you have lost close ties. We all have. The best opportunities to find new people to connect with are the ones that share your interests. Make a list of your hobbies, places you enjoy, favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and the library. Other places could be book clubs, organizations where you volunteer, art classes, sports leagues, political organizations, local parks, and senior centers.

Having friends will enrich your life and may even keep the mind sharp, helping you stave off dementia.
For more information check out our article on Combatting Loneliness.

Making Friends Later in Life

Making Friends Later in Life Making Friends Later in Life Making Friends Later in Life Making Friends Later in Life Making Friends Later in Life

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Aging

Social Connections Enhance Mid-life

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

The vast majority of women in the United States have children. However, in 2017, the fertility rate measuring the number of births was 60.2 for every 1,000 women of childbearing age. The total fertility rate – which estimates how many children women will have based on current patterns – is down to 1.8, below the replacement level in developed countries of 2.1.

As women decide to have less or no children at all is not a bad thing but can have a negative effect in their older years. The Wall Street Journal recently noted that family caregivers, “long the backbone of the nation’s long-term care system, provide an estimated $500 billion worth of free care annually-three times Medicaid’s professional long-term care spending, and help keep people out of costly institutions … But the supply of caregivers is shrinking just as the nation needs them most.”

Not only do Baby Boomers and GenXers face declining birth rates but also far-flung families, high divorce rates, and an increase in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The responsibility of caring for a growing population of older adults will be carried by fewer family members.

The idea of getting older without a spouse or children to rely on is a growing problem for many. The U.S. Census, 2010 estimated 27 percent of the 65+ age group live alone. And that percentage will increase as baby boomers live longer.

The Greatest Generation had an easier time getting help since they birthed the baby boomers. My parents were lucky to have each other and three very caring daughters when they became elderly. But for me and thousands like me, we have no one to depend on for personal help at home.

What are the issues of adults living alone?

  • Help with bills, financial decisions
  • Help with medical decision
  • Help identifying a would-be caregiver
  • Help in a crisis
  • Selecting a healthcare proxy

 

Some living at home alone reported feelings of loneliness and isolation which plays havoc on cognitive and physical health. And when sadness affects the mood, it’s harder to get motivated for exercise, cooking healthy foods, socializing, and participating in activities. Here’s what to do:

  • Start a local group of like-minded individuals
  • Look for people who have similar interests and enjoy doing the same hobbies and activities

 

The point, put yourself in an environment where there are people you feel drawn to.

Whether it’s a church, synagogue, Mosque, mastermind group, sport league, walking group, Yoga class, a night or lifelong learning class at a community college, a cooking class, a MeetUp or a Facebook group… put yourself in situations and in the middle of audiences where you’ll meet multiple new people.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail