Published: January 30, 2015
When social media initially came onto the scene, many viewed it as simply a fad. It wasn’t. Social media is now a part of many people’s lives, and it seems to be everywhere you look. Contrary to what some believe, approximately 45 percent of older adults aged 65 and over are utilizing social media on a regular basis.
Has a loved one recently encouraged you to join a social media platform? Perhaps you are reluctant because you don’t see the benefit in it, but you may want to re-think that after reading this blog.
5 Benefits of Social Media
1. Brain Health
It’s vital to take proactive measures to keep your mind sharp as you age, and it can be very important when it comes to maintaining your independence. Staying current with the news and advancements in technology may be an excellent way to keep your mind active and exercise your brain to new learning opportunities. Lifelong learning is key to a healthier lifestyle as we age.
2. Keeping in Touch
Are you tired of using email or the telephone to stay in contact with old friends, your children, and grandchildren? Or simply looking for an easier way? Social media may be the answer. By following their accounts, you can see what your loved ones post, and you can also comment and interact in ways that are less of a hassle than composing an email or playing phone tag.
3. Health Benefits
Sound crazy? Not so much. Many older adults find that being active online can help relieve stress in their lives, which in turn improves their emotional state. Simply spending time on social media with like-minded users with common interests can improve your overall well-being and boost your self-esteem.
4. Mood Improvement
Older adults are sometimes more vulnerable to social isolation, which can lead to depression and other health concerns. Social media allows you to expand your social circle without having to change your daily routine or even leaving your house (although we still recommend that!). Thanks to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, many older adults have been able to locate support groups and reconnect with old friends.
5. Freedom of Expression
By creating a profile on social media websites, you’re creating your own space on the web where you can choose exactly how to express yourself. You can share information that is important to you, including photographs and updates on what’s new in your life. Remember to be cautious about divulging any private information to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, scams or identity theft.
In the past, Molly Kavanaugh frequently wrote about Kendal at Oberlin for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where she was a reporter for 16 years. Now we are happy to have her writing for the Kendal at Oberlin Community.
About Kendal at Oberlin: Kendal is a nonprofit life plan community serving older adults in northeast Ohio. Located about one mile from Oberlin College and Conservatory, and about a 40-minute drive from downtown Cleveland, Kendal offers a vibrant resident-led lifestyle with access to music, art and lifelong learning.
This blog was originally published in 2015 and was updated in March 2024.
