Seniors & Social Media: The Pros & Cons of Social Media for Older Adults
Social media has taken the world by storm for over two decades now. Nearly every person you meet has some kind of online presence. Experts have long debated the risks and benefits of social media use for kids and adolescents, but what about older adults?
Seniors may have more to gain than you think from using social media. However, this usage comes with unique risks. Here’s what you should know about older adults’ usage of social media apps and platforms.
The Pros: How Social Media Can Help Seniors Thrive
Social media is often discussed in a negative light, but there are plenty of pros to these modern platforms. Older adults who don’t have a strong social circle potentially have the most to gain from online connectedness.
Staying Connected to Family and Friends
For older adults with health and mobility issues, social media is key for staying connected. Websites like Facebook and Instagram allow seniors to view what their children and grandchildren are up to with ease. This way, they’re less likely to feel “out of the loop.”
Social media is also beneficial for seniors who live far away from their family members. They might not be able to hop on a plane at the drop of a hat, but they can “like” and comment on their loved ones’ special moments to be a part of them from anywhere.
Most social platforms allow private messaging as well. Private messaging directly bridges the gap between seniors and their loved ones.
Educational Content and World News
The internet is full of helpful information. Seniors who access social media have the world at their fingertips. This can be useful for exploring new hobbies and interests, especially for older adults with disabilities or cognitive challenges.
While your senior loved one might still cherish their daily newspaper, social media is a faster way to get ahold of news and world events. Newspapers often only cover local stories, but the internet touches on important global topics.
As long as the information is accurate, your loved one has a better chance of keeping up with the rest of the world in electronic form.
Community Events and Classes
Websites like Facebook make it easy to share events with others. Facebook events often include the date, time, and location, even pairing timed notifications with each scheduled event. This makes it far easier for seniors to keep track of in-person events.
Entertainment
Social media provides a never-ending stream of funny videos, comical posts called “memes,” and entertaining articles. Seniors who are stuck at home can combat boredom by scrolling through different social platforms. This may even help them stay sharp and avoid cognitive decline.
Social Media’s Serious Risks: The Cons to Elderly Use
Just like social media can be a positive outlet, it can come with certain disadvantages for older adults. Keep these cons in mind before you or a loved one joins social platforms.
Scams and Fraud
Unfortunately, many financial scams specifically target elderly social media users. Fraudsters and criminals might threaten, harass, or intimidate your loved one into giving them personal information. They can even impersonate a loved one from their Friends or Following list to gain your loved one’s trust.
These scams can be convincing and often rely on a sense of immediate fear to get seniors to comply. Your loved one may end up permanently losing their money or having their identity stolen.
Still, many seniors safely navigate social media every day. It’s essential to make sure your loved one knows what scams are and that they should block anyone asking for sensitive information.
Comparison to Others and Low Self-Esteem
People of any age group can fall into the social media comparison trap. Seniors who struggle with low self-esteem might see others’ highlights online and compare them to their own lives. Because of this, social media can take a toll on seniors’ mental health.
Misinformation
Like scams, many “fake news” posts target older users. Seniors with low media literacy might fall for misleading or even dangerous posts. Oftentimes, these posts are designed to make people angry and may even encourage criminal activity.
All seniors should be skeptical of anything they read or see online, no matter who posted it. Encourage your loved one to ignore any health claims or advice unless it comes from their doctor.
Privacy and Technical Problems
Seniors who are new to using the internet may accidentally post things that they don’t want others to see. If you sign your loved one up for Facebook or a similar platform, make sure their privacy settings are locked down. Remind them of the “dos” and “don’ts” of posting online.
Making the Decision: Should Your Elder Loved One Join Social Media?
This is a personal decision that should be weighed with your loved one and close family members or caregivers. Social media can be creative, entertaining, and joyful. It can also be damaging, unhealthy, and upsetting for people of all ages.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons of these platforms before signing your loved one up for any. Their happiness and well-being are what matter the most.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
